The Senate Higher Education Committee continued hearing from panels on industry needs, this time from the institutions themselves. Testifying on how the sector responds to industry needs, the state’s public baccalaureates, community and technical colleges, and private and independent colleges presented to the senate committee.
From Evergreen, Director of Government Relations, Dr. Julie Garver, spoke to the unique program’s offered and how these respond to Washington business and industry needs. Specifically, Dr. Garver spoke about post-graduate employment trends of Evergreen graduates. In fact, one year after graduation:
- 71% of graduates were employed
- 47% of Evergreen graduates were employed by the private sector
- 29% were employed by public agencies
- 24% were employed by nonprofit organizations
Of the areas in which Evergreen’s graduates were employed:
- 21% were employed in Education, Community & Social Services
- 15% were employed in Business, Financial Operations, and Management
- 14% were employed in “High Demand” Science Fields; and
- 13% were self-employed or owned their own business
Three years after graduation:
- 85% of graduates were employed
- 46% were employed by the private sector
- 34% were employed by public agencies
- 20% were employed by nonprofit organizations
Of the areas in which the college’s graduates were employed three years out:
- 23.8% were employed in Education, Community & Social Services
- 16% were employed in Business, Financial Operations, and Management
- 25% were employed in “High Demand” Science Fields
Additionally, Garver spoke to the unique strengths Evergreen graduates bring with them upon graduation. In fact, Evergreen is giving its graduates the very skills needed to be successful post-graduation. Of the number of skills needed, those that employers stress the most are:
- The ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing (89%)
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills (81%)
- The ability to analyze and solve complex problems (75%)
- Teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate with others in diverse group settings (71%)
- The ability to innovate and be creative (70%)
Evergreen is proud of how these align with the “Six Expectations” outlined for each of the institution’s students. These include:
- Articulate and assume responsibility for your own work
- Participate collaboratively and responsibly in our diverse society
- Communicate creatively and effectively
- Demonstrate integrative, independent critical thinking
- Apply qualitative, quantitative and creative modes of inquiry appropriately to practical and theoretical problems across disciplines
- Demonstrate depth, breadth, and synthesis of learning and the ability to reflect on personal and social significance of learning as a culmination of your education
Finally, Dr. Garver touched on what is needed in order for Evergreen to continue meeting the needs of the State. These will include:
- Supporting Evergreen’s funding request for student success
- Encourage venues and opportunities for institutions of higher education to partner with employers
For Garver’s full presentation please click here.