Jefferson Students Excel After Graduation

Once again, the overwhelming majority of recent Thomas Jefferson University alumni have found success following graduation.

The University’s latest First Destination Report showed that 92% of the Class of 2025 are enrolled in graduate school or employed in fields related to their major or career interests—continuing a longstanding Jefferson trend. An additional 5% of Class of 2025 alumni are volunteering or taking a gap year.

The Marianne Able Career Services Center on East Falls Campus surveyed 372 undergraduates in the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce; College of Architecture and the Built Environment; College of Health Professions; College of Humanities and Sciences; College of Rehabilitation Sciences; and College of Life Sciences.

“The outcomes reflected in the First Destination Report continue to demonstrate the value of a Jefferson education and our commitment to preparing students with academic and career-ready experiences,” says Jennifer Rossidis, associate director of industry relations. “These results showcase the effective collaboration among students, faculty, employers and the Career Services Center in supporting student success.”

During the 2025-2026 academic year, the Marianne Able Career Services Center reviewed nearly 1,500 resumes and hosted two career fairs, during which some 900 students connected with 145 employers. At the Spring 2026 Career Day and Design Expo, 173 students participated in almost 400 interviews, leading to internship and employment opportunities.

Thomas Jefferson University News recently spoke with four Class of 2025 alumni about their lives after graduation, how Jefferson supported their blossoming careers and much more.

What are you doing now, and what are your future plans?
Tyler Bartman, BS in Marketing: I’m a sales zone manager with Lincoln Motor Company, where I support 15 dealerships across three states. My role involves analyzing sales performance, monitoring inventory trends and ensuring the right vehicles are positioned in the right markets. I also work closely with retailers to strengthen their digital presence and optimize advertising strategies to effectively reach target customers.

While I don’t plan to stay in this role forever, it has provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of the automotive industry and develop strong analytical and strategic skills. My long-term goal is to leverage this experience as I pursue a leadership role within the organization or broader automotive sector.

Aja Smith, BS in Law & Society: I’m a legal assistant for a real estate law firm that specializes in property tax appeals, and I plan to pursue my JD. I’m taking time to work and save before moving forward with law school.

Diego Santiago, BS in Construction Management: I serve as a project engineer at LF Driscoll, a leading construction management firm in the Philadelphia region. I support the execution of infrastructure renovation projects within an active hospital environment. In this role, I support the managerial aspects of construction, coordinating different trades to ensure that design intent, project objectives and operational requirements stay aligned throughout the construction process.

My long-term goal is to continue growing as a leader within the construction industry by taking on greater responsibilities and contributing to projects that positively impact the communities they serve.

Candace Betts, BS in Textile Design: I’m an associate textile designer at Wesley Mancini in Charlotte, N.C. I design jacquard upholstery fabrics for various furniture manufacturers across the United States. I analyze trends in color and style to create weaves and art that can be transformed into fabric. I would like to continue in upholstery while also trying my hand at contract fabrics used in large-scale installations.

Why do you want to pursue this career path?
Tyler Bartman: I’ve been passionate about cars for as long as I can remember. This career allows me to combine that lifelong interest with the business and marketing foundation I developed at Jefferson. I believe people do their best work when they genuinely enjoy what they do, and I’m fortunate to have found a career that aligns with my professional strengths and personal interests.

Aja Smith: I’ve always been drawn to the legal field but never took that interest seriously until Jefferson. Law offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while continuously learning, and it provides a foundation for my various interests.

Diego Santiago: My interest in construction started early in life. Growing up, I was exposed to the industry through my father, who worked in construction, and I developed a deep appreciation for the effort, discipline and coordination it takes to bring a project from concept to completion. Over time, that exposure turned into passion. Construction is one of the most collaborative industries. You constantly work with different people, skill sets and perspectives to solve problems and build something tangible.

Candace Betts: Ever since I watched “The Incredibles” as a kid, I wanted to be a “fabric superhero” like Edna Mode. I found a way to do that in furniture, as silly as it sounds. I appreciate the combination of applied sciences and art to create these fabrics. Every day, I problem solve a new challenge and feel elated when the fabric comes back perfect.

How did Jefferson best prepare you to get to this point in your career?
Tyler Bartman: Getting involved on campus was one of the most important factors in my success. Jefferson offers countless opportunities to engage beyond the classroom, from business competitions and professional organizations to student government and fraternity leadership. These experiences helped me develop communication, leadership and problem-solving skills that continue to benefit me in my career today.

Aja Smith: Jefferson’s law and society program is super tight-knit, and that just naturally makes you want to see each other succeed. With smaller class sizes, law and society students see each other constantly, so collaboration is a given. That just set me up for success.

Diego Santiago: The construction management program provided technical knowledge and real-world application through courses, projects and hands-on learning experiences. Just as importantly, the professors and guest speakers helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice by sharing their own professional experiences. Jefferson also helped me develop a broader understanding of what it means to work in construction beyond the classroom, and it gave me the confidence to step into my career prepared and motivated.

Candace Betts: Jefferson did everything for me. Before attending, I barely understood what it meant to be a textile designer. Jefferson taught me how to create technical weaves and use math in design to create a stable fabric. They taught me the chemistry I use daily to select the best finishes that make fabrics more stable, water repellent and bleach cleanable. Jefferson gave me the research and design skills to understand why trends happen, what color and texture mean and how every decision matters when creating fabrics. The classes are framed for your success and prepare you for a corporate work setting.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Aja Smith: I’m especially grateful for the faculty’s support throughout my time at Jefferson. The relationships I built with professors and classmates played a huge role in my academic success and helped me feel confident pursuing my goals after graduation.

Diego Santiago: As someone born and raised in Puerto Rico, moving to Philadelphia was a major transition. However, Jefferson made that adjustment seamless. It quickly felt like home and a place where I could grow as an athlete and a student while building a real sense of direction and purpose. That experience made my time there especially meaningful and helped shape who I am today.

I played baseball for two years. Balancing athletics with academic responsibilities was challenging at times, but it taught me discipline, time management and the importance of staying focused under pressure. It also helped me understand that achieving meaningful goals often requires adapting to different challenges and persevering through demanding circumstances. Being at Jefferson pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, take advantage of opportunities and continue chasing my goals.

Jefferson reinforced that learning and innovation are lifelong pursuits, not temporary phases. It provided me with a strong foundation that encouraged me to continue building my education, and this past year, I earned my Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. Everything I’ve experienced has led me to where I am today, and I’m committed to continuing that growth in everything I do.

Candace Betts: Jefferson’s work with the International Textile Alliance is a great connection to the upholstery industry and allowed me to meet my current employer through their industry tour. I also secured my summer internship with Valdese Weavers through this trip. The design challenges allow employers and others in the industry to recognize your work and build name recognition that can benefit your future career.