Last fall graduates from the College of Liberal Arts classes of 2000 – 2010 were invited to take part in a survey about their educational experience at Drew, specifically professional and graduate school preparation and outcomes. Over 450 alumni participated in the survey that was conducted in partnership with EduVentures, the industry leader in higher education research. We are grateful to those who shared their information and opinions.
The survey found that alumni are successfully navigating life after Drew, reporting that they are as prepared or more prepared than peers, and are employed at a higher rate than the national average. Key findings of the survey included:
- 95% of respondents found a job or attended graduate school within one year of graduating from Drew.
- 3.5% of recent Drew alumni reported being unemployed which is below the national unemployment rate of 4.4%, indicating that Drew alumni are successfully moving into professional activities post-graduation.
- While respondents overall feel as prepared or more prepared for their job compared to peers, those with jobs related to their major stand out as feeling more prepared than peers (51%)
- 67.3% reported that Drew helped them develop skills that matter – critical thinking, writing, problem-solving, sense of ethics, and ability to work as part of a team – very well.
- A strong connection between alumni relations and career services is vital to providing connections among alumni (56%) and to build a robust job bank (47%), the top two services requested by alumni.
Alumni who completed the survey were entered in to a raffle. Congratulations to our winners!
iPad: Michael Schiller C’10
$50 Amazon Gift Card: Pete Cole C’02
Drew Sweatshirts: Daniel Adler C’00, Elyse Atkinson C’08, David Kessler C’05, Ben Weisman C’06
Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey. Your feedback will shape future programs and initiatives that help prepare students for post-graduate careers and education. The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations and the Center for Career Development will also use the survey results to develop programs that address the needs of recent graduates. From networking opportunities through the regional Drew Clubs to professional guidance from the Career Center, services and benefits will be informed by your input.