Four students posing for a photo dressed in graduation robes standing outside Camp Randall Stadium

Alumni Life

More than 6,000 Nelson Institute alumni work in government, business, and nonprofit organizations, applying their knowledge and skills to make the world a better and more sustainable place.

Nominations are open through February 28 for the 2024 Nelson Institute Alumni Awards.

Submit a nomination or self-nomination

Where Do Our Alumni Live?

Outline map of the United States

Nelson alumni can be found in all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

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Our graduates also live in 44 countries, contributing to our global impact.

Find Your Passion

Two students on a boat on Lake Mendota taking water samples at dawn

Looking for an environmentally focused career? Check out our jobs board, which features job opportunities from around the country. You can sign up for a weekly email with the latest postings, and employers can submit jobs.

View the jobs board

Connect with the Nelson Institute Community

Alumni mingling during a reception at Rendezvous on the Terrace

Make Lasting Connections

Network with other Nelson Institute alumni through our LinkedIn Alumni and Friends group! Watch for job postings, alumni shoutouts, and our Dear Alumni posts featuring advice requests from our students.

A student conducting field research in a tropical forest

Hire Our Students

Does your organization or company have an internship program? Contact Emily Reynolds, director of community engagement and alumni relations, at ereynolds2@wisc.edu to discuss placement opportunities for Nelson Institute students.

Alumni talking about their careers during a panel discussion

Connect with Students and Alumni

Sign up to be contacted about volunteer opportunities. Opportunities include speaking to classes, participating in our annual speed networking event, career talks, hosting our annual alumni virtual networking event, or giving a 3×5 presentation about your work. Yes! I’d like to be contacted about these opportunities

Students celebrating graduation with Bucky Badger

Invest in Our Future

We couldn’t do it without your support! Financial gifts from alumni and friends enable the Nelson Institute to build on its rich tradition of excellence and innovation. Gifts of any size make a difference

A UW professor giving a public presentation at UW Arboretum

Stay up to Date

The Commons is a monthly digital magazine for alumni and friends of the Nelson Institute. Read the latest issue and subscribe today.

Alumni award winners posing for a photo while holding their plaques

Celebrate Our Alumni

Each year, the Nelson Institute shines a spotlight on alumni who are making a difference in the world. Learn about this year’s winners

Get Your Nelson Gear

Jim Miller wearing a long-sleeved button-up collared shirt in Badger red, embroidered with the Nelson Institute logo

Show your Badger and Nelson spirit wherever life takes you. Visit our online store to purchase Nelson-branded merchandise, including button-down shirts, fleece, soft-shell vests and jackets, hats, bags, and more. Shop now

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