Overview

Graduate education in the United States plays a critical role in the success of the U.S. workforce and economy.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that occupations requiring at least a master’s degree for entry will grow at a much faster rate than occupations that call for less education. To ensure graduate schools continue to respond to rapidly changing workforce demands, strong connections between graduate schools and employers are more important than ever. A recent National Academies report recommended groups like CGS “convene and lead discussions with graduate programs, employers, and other stakeholders and disseminate innovative approaches.”

To strengthen these connections, CGS has formed a small group of senior leaders representing employers of graduate degree holders in various fields and organizations serving higher education. This Employer Roundtable advises the CGS President on workforce issues and is the leading voice on graduate student workforce preparedness.

Goals

• Activate ways in which graduate schools and the private sector can work together to streamline career pathways for students.
• Identify successful collaborations between employers and graduate schools so that these examples can be shared.
• Develop and implement opportunities to replicate and scale these successful models.
• Formulate and disseminate actionable statements and recommendations for the communities represented.
• Provide a venue for Roundtable members to share information on emerging trends.
• Institutionalize and regularize communication channels that help graduate schools understand and anticipate the job skills that employers need now, and in the future.
• Ensure CGS programming and initiatives address the future of work. 

Activities

• Participate in two Roundtable meetings per year (one teleconference call and one in-person meeting in Washington, DC.)
• Provide strategic guidance on a CGS Annual Meeting session to showcase successful employer-higher education collaborations. 
• Participate as speakers or attendees at other CGS events and colloquies and contribute to CGS publications.
• Release a statement that summarizes the Roundtable’s key insights and recommendations for the future.
• Co-author, as appropriate, Op-eds, blogs and articles highlighting the importance of collaboration to ensure students are successful throughout their careers.

For more information, contact Adrienne Vincent, avincent@cgs.nche.edu.