Focus group: beyond Reed

Leadership Summit Focus Group Report: Supporting Student Transitions/Life Beyond Reed

In order to provide feedback to the ad hoc committee on strategic planning, a series of topical focus groups were conducted with alumni and parents who participated in the Leadership Summit Weekend. Approximately 80 individuals dedicated the morning on Saturday, September 21 to learning about the overall goals of the strategic planning process and then participating in a series of hour-long focus groups. The Student transitions group was reviewed by Robin Tovey ’97.

The group was large for both sessions (25-30 for each session). Each session demonstrated alumni interest in supporting graduates and their transitions post Reed.

Many agreed that there has been a presumption among grads that jobs in academia await, thus there is a need for pragmatism and prep for alternatives to being a prof. The college needs to show students the career possibilities and show employers our education prepares us for so much; Reed rigor and focus imparts flexibility and adaptive strength. There was a concern that we talk about creating leaders but don’t provide instruction about what leadership entails or provide opportunities to develop these skills. Some wished that advisors had been clearer in providing reality check re: expectations in both academic and non-academic worlds. High-level takeaway: a Reed education prepares you for whatever you want to do, but better guidance on the practical tactics and social norms required for success would help a great deal.

For those desiring additional information:

The group received an advance copy of a white paper entitled “Bridging Reed and the world: enriching student experiences outside the classroom and providing paths to careers“: Bridge Whitepaper_Final_MT

Here are the full notes and facilitator review for the sessions as a PDF: Leadership Summit-bridge

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