Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers

In order for the United States to maintain its leadership role in global innovation and discovery, our country must continue to develop highly skilled human talent. The Commission on Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers, jointly sponsored by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), guided a research effort examining issues on career pathways.

The 14-member Commission, composed of industry leaders, university presidents, graduate deans and provosts, identified the appropriate questions, data sources and experts to consult regarding:

• graduate student knowledge of career options
• how students learn about career opportunities
• the role of graduate programs and graduate faculty in informing and guiding students along the path to professional occupations
• career pathways that individuals with graduate degrees follow

The Commission's findings were released on April 19, 2012, in Washington, D.C., and widely disseminated to universities, policymakers, employers and government agencies funding research and education.

The Commission is also engaged in creating a national conversation about why understanding career pathways for graduate students is important. Its efforts continue to address the critical need for innovators and experts in a wide range of fields that are essential to the success of the United States in the global economy.