Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers

Graduate education in the United States plays a critical role in the success of the U.S. workforce and economy, attracting and producing influential researchers, innovators, and leaders. U.S. graduate schools are the environments in which students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in the global economy and solve problems of national and global scope. The link between graduate education and American prosperity has never been stronger than it is today. But little is known at the granular level about what our graduates do, how their work life progresses, and how well the preparation they receive equips them for the careers they pursue. To ensure that a diverse, talented workforce supports the future success of the U.S. economy and society, we must understand current pathways through graduate school into careers as well as emerging employment trends and opportunities. The Commission on Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers explored these pathways by examining the views of groups that directly observe and experience this journey — students, universities, and employers. The perspectives of these groups offer an unprecedented opportunity to better understand what these stakeholders seek, where they find success, and where their needs and goals remain unmet.

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