CAREER PLANNING: PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED It’s all over the news. The Washington Post reports that recent college grads face one of the toughest job markets in decades; Business Insider notes that the market is “just awful” for new grads; and the Huffington Post reports that one in two recent graduates is either jobless or underemployed. Luckily, the horizon is much brighter for students of the GW School of Business. In fact, in the class of 2011, 73% of those seeking employment found jobs within 90 days of graduation. This is due not only to the caliber of our students and the reputation of a GW education, but also in many respects to the success of the school’s F. David Fowler Career Center. “It’s a difficult time for college graduates to be finding jobs,” says Lauren Corrigan of Greenwich, Connecticut, a GW parent who, along with her husband Pat, participates on the Parents Campaign Philanthropy Board and provides critical support to the Fowler Career Center. “It’s important that the schools have the resources they need to assist students in finding those career opportunities.”
GW parents Lauren and Pat Corrigan
The center’s mission is twofold: first, to support students in developing life-long career management skills and, second, to facilitate partnerships between students and potential employers—often alumni and parents— that result in rewarding and fulfilling careers. Parents can be especially helpful with a student’s career development by assisting in a guidance role, such as one-on-one advising, job search workshops, résumé and correspondence development, and interview preparation. Lauren maintains that participating in this capacity can be mutually beneficial, particularly for parents. “Assisting with the center allows parents to have a connection to
their child’s school,” she says. “It keeps parents current with respect to what’s happening and provides a platform for sharing ideas.” She notes that, of course, financial support is also important in allowing the center to provide the necessary resources for optimal career development. But, she insists everyone can play a part. “No matter what your contribution is, you can make it specific and meaningful and you will be making a difference,” says Lauren. “Give of your time, your expertise. It’s all about involvement and as parents we have a lot to offer.”
Sustainability
CAMPUS ABUZZ:
In an effort to promote sustainable food and gardening, the Mount Vernon Campus hosts four hives of honeybees donated by a local beekeeping cooperative.
ROOFTOP ENERGY:
Solar thermal panels now line the rooftops of three GW residence halls, collectively making it the sixth largest system of its kind in the country. The panels use the sun’s heat to provide about two-thirds of the hot water used in the buildings.
GroW GARDEN:
Located on H Street, GW’s GroW garden boasts a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Tended by students, produce from the garden is donated to a nearby nonprofit that provides nutritious meals to the homeless.
SUSTAINABILITY MINOR:
GW now offers a new 18-credit minor in sustainability open to all undergraduate students, classes 2014 and later.
GW PARENTS CAMPAIGN
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