As a GSAS alumnus, I remember the day when I walked across the stage in Sanders Theatre to accept my diploma. It was an exciting day, the day I took my first steps toward an academic career that led me back to Harvard and to the GSAS deanship (though neither was expected at the time).
I know that becoming an academic is only one of many possible career paths for GSAS alumni. Some choose positions in government or nonprofits. Others join the corporate world or start their own companies. Regardless of your ultimate destination, it is the critical thinking and effective communications skills that you acquired as a GSAS student that can help you succeed at what you do now.
Harvard’s strength comes from the strength of its alumni, and you represent a tremendous resource for the GSAS students currently navigating their graduate studies. We work hard to ensure that our students can benefit from connecting with alumni and tap into this rich source of information. For example, in recent years, GSAS has greatly increased its support of departmental initiatives that bring students together with our alumni—an effort made possible by alumni.
Indeed, GSAS’s long tradition of developing programs to ensure our students are set up for success after graduation came about thanks to the support and generosity of our alumni population. During January@GSAS, alumni volunteer their time to lead a business applications workshop, where students learn about exciting and successful careers beyond academia. Our English Language Program (ELP), which introduces international students to life at Harvard while they activate their English speaking skills, is made possible thanks to the generosity of two dedicated members of the Graduate School Alumni Association Council. I, for one, benefited directly from English language support when I entered GSAS exactly 30 years ago, and, therefore, I am personally motivated to ensure that current and future students will continue to benefit from ELP and other programs.
More programs are being planned. The Alumni Council has formed a working group to discuss bridge programs designed to connect students with alumni, recent alumni with long-term ones, and alumni with faculty. The overarching goal is to build a stronger global GSAS community that can benefit all, especially those who are still deciding on their ultimate destination. Any support and contribution you can provide for this endeavor will be highly appreciated by all of us at GSAS, and by our current and future students.
