Turning Passion into a Profession
Aubrey Hirsch ‘04 is a freelance writer, teacher, and current National Endowment for the Arts fellow in literature who transformed her passion for writing into a profession. Hirsch decided to attend JCU because of the small class sizes and the opportunity to take courses in various fields. She says inspiration from two writing professors gave her the confidence to pursue professional writing. The confidence she gained during her time at JCU has earned her publication in several national media outlets, including The New York Times, Vox, and TIME Magazine. Hirsch also wrote a book of short stories entitled Why We Never Talk about Sugar.
Scientist and Entrepreneur
Esther Salata ‘13 is an entrepreneur using her Environmental Science degree to advocate for pet safety. Inspired by her dog, she founded Benesafe Solutions. Salata applied her knowledge of cyanobacteria taxonomy to create lawn care treatments safe for everyone –pets, people, and the environment. Salata says being a first-generation Indian Immigrant has helped shape her strong work ethic. And she credits her John Carroll experience and liberal arts education for growing her desire to create positive change in the world.
Physics and Disney Magic
Ernest Petti ‘97 creates movie magic for one of the largest production companies in the world. He supervises several computer generated graphic teams for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Petti double majored at John Carroll in Engineering Physics and Computer Science. He has consistently risen up the ranks with Disney over the past 20 years working on films such as “Tangled”, “Bolt” and “Big Hero 6”. Petti says his Physics major and overall liberal arts education were crucial in teaching him how to problem solve and adapt to change and new possibilities.
Service to Public Office
Tom McNamara ‘05, ‘08 is the Mayor of Rockford, Illinois, and the youngest person elected in city history. Mayor McNamara developed a program to pay Rockford Public School graduates college tuition. Tom says his service-learning opportunities at John Carroll fostered his determination to help the greater good, and reaffirmed his values of service to others and one’s community. Mayor McNamara says he struggled academically his first year at JCU and credits faculty and counselors for instilling successful habits. He believes he would not be where he is today without the overall support he received during his John Carroll experience.
Mission and Passion
Stephen Alexander '16 is a senior accountant for Patagonia, one of the world's leading outdoor clothing companies. He says his involvement in two immersion trips at John Carroll developed his desire to work for a company that puts mission ahead of profit. Stephen initially chose John Carroll to continue his football and baseball careers, however, when it became clear that he wouldn’t go pro, he decided to focus fully on his academics. Stephen credits his John Carroll experience with encouraging him to determine his priorities in life, which has carried over into his professional career.
Faith and Perseverance
Amy Buehner ’08, ’09 is the Demand Planning Manager with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. She says that her commitment to her faith initially led her to JCU, where Jesuit values and strong ethics help develop each student’s moral compass. Amy was able to attend John Carroll by receiving a financial aid package, but due to her family’s financial situation, she was afraid that her JCU opportunities would disappear at any moment. However, she has said that “the Lord kept providing another way – another mentor, another opportunity, another financial solution, another semester,” which guided her through her four years. Amy credits JCU’s dedication to morality, faith, and service for providing her with the opportunities to advance and succeed.
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Build Your Story
What do you want to be when you grow up? At John Carroll, you will answer that question with a Jesuit core curriculum that broadens your perspective and encourages you to seek the truth. With more than 40 programs to pursue, you can choose the path that works best for your future. Along the way, JCU will provide access to internships, experiential learning, and research opportunities that will make your resume stand out.
Tell Your Story
Are you ready to market your skills and stand out from other job applicants? Students at John Carroll are engaged in a robust professional development program that prepares them to land the job. Professional Development Programs in the Boler College of Business and College of Arts and Sciences ensure each student has a cover letter, resume, LinkedIn page, and job interview skills before connecting them to top employers in Cleveland, the region, and across the world.
Become Your Story
Our alumni are leaders in their companies and communities, and they are prepared to support our graduates with advice, networking, internships, and jobs. More than nine out of 10 JCU graduates are employed, furthering their education, or involved in a service program within one year of graduating. Alumni of John Carroll are promoted to leadership positions at a higher rate than other institutions.
Top Employers
John Carroll graduates are leaders in Northeast Ohio and around the world. Below is a sample of the top employers for John Carroll grads.