On May 9, 2026 Indiana University held commencement ceremonies for more than 21,000 graduates statewide. More than 11,000 of those degrees were handed out here in Bloomington, to IU’s largest graduating class ever. It’s a time of celebration, but some former students heading out into the real world are unsure of their next move. Fewer than 55% of graduates are employed within six months, and fresh graduates like Lilly Ison and Makayla Karsch feel nervous about their next moves. We also hear from IU Career Services Specialist Jill Romack, who says the path forward is all about working your connections. She also points out that the IU Alumni Association offers career resources to the IU alumni network, which is the largest in the world with more than 805,000 living graduates in more than 165 countries.

All photos courtesy of IU.

CREDIT:
Today’s feature story on IU graduates nervous about heading into the real world was produced by Karlie Flanagan in partnership with The Media School at Indiana University. Theme music by the Indiana University Marching Hundred.