During the spring semester, it is natural for our seniors to be looking for their next step.  Hopefully most of them are taking advantage of all the opportunities in the Office of Personal and Career Development to help them align their educational and career goals.  Today we wanted to mention to parents a program that is available to our students.

Designed specifically for recent liberal arts, sciences or engineering graduates, Wake Forest offers a 10-month Master of Arts (MA) in Management program, which broadens students’ educations beyond the focus of their undergraduate studies.  This is a learning environment that is experiential and hands-on, emphasizing the value of teamwork and collaboration in solving problems.  It takes the solid liberal arts background a student has and adds the technical business skills needed to explore a wider range of career opportunities.  Students will get to work intimately with a company or organization through our Graduate Business Consulting projects in an effort to solve a real world problem they are facing.  Graduates of this program go on to find careers in a wide range of industries and geographic locations.

Real world example:  I knew a terrific young man who was a music major here on a Presidential Scholarship.  When he was a senior, he interviewed at several companies who liked him a lot, but said they wished he had a little more business knowledge.  He completed the MA in Management program and re-interviewed with some of the same companies he’d seen as a senior – and got the job of his choice.  He and his parents could not have been happier.

Here’s a testimonial from the mother of a “double Deac” who did the MA in Management program.  Lia Flur was a Political Science major here at Wake as an undergraduate and knew she wanted to explore the business realm.  She is now working as a Marketing Associate for the Advisory Board Company in D.C.

“The Wake Forest Master of Arts in Management Program had a profound impact on our daughter Lia’s professional growth. Wake Forest provides students a learning environment of collaboration. The faculty has an unparalleled commitment to their students as individuals, being accessible as mentors and fostering their students’ growth.

The MA program instilled a renewed confidence in Lia, preparing her for the business world by not only approaching problems analytically, but also quantitatively. Lia studied political science and international studies as an undergraduate and was fully engaged in qualitative analysis. However, having been removed from quantitative reasoning, she was unsure of her business acumen. We had no qualms she would thrive in the MA program, but her confidence rose tremendously as she sharpened her skills and excelled in the qualitative and quantitative approach to problem solving.

When weighing the opportunities of attending the MA program at WFU, we advised Lia to talk to as many mentors as possible, and to think deliberately about her personal and professional goals. We also wanted to make sure she was energized to fully immerse herself in a year of intense study following four years of undergraduate study.

We can honestly say, attending WFU’s MA Program was the best decision for Lia. The knowledge she gained, the confidence in her business abilities, and the friends and mentors she now has as lifelong influences, had a dramatically positive impact on her and have prepared her for a life of success.”  - Stacey Flur, parent of Lia Flur (’11, MA ’12)

If you want to learn more, there is a terrific website for parents of students who are considering the MA in Management.  This could be the perfect program for your senior!

Leading up to Valentine’s Day, the Daily Deac is reflecting on some of the reasons we love Wake Forest.  Today’s reason is:

We help students discover their passions – sometimes ones they didn’t even know they had.

This can happen in a lot of ways.  One of them – hard as it may be for your students to believe – is through Divisional Requirements.  The liberal arts educational model at Wake Forest requires our students to sample classes within five broad classifications of human knowledge: the humanities, literature, the arts, social sciences, and math and natural sciences.  Within each of those division, students have the ability to choose (or avoid) departments in favor of other ones.  Sometimes when a student tries a class in a department he/she didn’t have access to in high school – philosophy, anthropology, Russian, whatever’s your pleasure – that student finds that he/she is really interested and inspired.

One of my fondest memories as an academic adviser was to watch one of my students (now graduated) who decided to embark on a new language for his language requirement.  He chose Arabic because he was interested in the events in the Middle East, and ended up majoring in Political Science and becoming fluent in Arabic, studying in Jordan his junior year.  It was wonderful to watch him discover an interest in Arabic he never thought he had, and to see that manifest itself in a semester abroad.  He found an academic passion.

There are other students here who find volunteer passions.  Whether that is working with Project Pumpkin or the Volunteer Service Corps, or taking an International Service Trip or a Wake Alternative Break, they find impactful activities that help them grow even as they serve others.  This video was done a few years ago about the impact of international service trips, and these students tell their stories better than I ever could.

And while this generation tends to “date” less than mine or yours did, people do still find love at Wake Forest.  It may or may not last forever, but you do see students walking hand in hand or arms around each others’ shoulders on the Quad.  Interesting fact from the Alumni Office from last year: there were 8,643 WFU alumni married to alumni (about 10% of our alumni made what I call ‘advantageous marriages’).

Finally, we also help students discover their passion and help them explore how to live that out in their life in the world of work.  The Office of Personal and Career Development has been at the leading edge of helping students explore their talents, values, skills, and dreams so that they can leave Wake Forest poised to go to a job or graduate school that really suits them (instead of taking any job just because it is available).  You can see the year-by-year activities (buttons at the top of this web page) our students are encouraged to do via the OPCD to get an idea of some of the tools in the toolbox for them to use.

And for parents in Charlotte, NC, we cordially invite you to hear more about how we are helping students find their passion.  Andy Chan, Vice President for Personal and Career Development, is going to be speaking on Thursday, February 21st in Charlotte.  Here is a flyer about this OPCD Event in Charlotte with information about how to register.

Has your student found his or her passion yet?

There is a Study Abroad Fair tomorrow (Tuesday 1/29) from 11 am-4 pm in Benson University Center Room 401.

If your student has not gone abroad yet as part of his/her college experience, please recommend the Study Abroad Fair to your student.

I can say this from personal experience – and it has been echoed in the stories of legions of students I have met during my time as an administrator – the semester (or summer) you spend abroad is transformational.  It is unbelievable how much it expands a student’s worldview, sense of history, understanding of other cultures, and self-reliance.

I loved every minute of 7 semesters of my undergraduate time at Wake Forest, but my semester abroad was transcendent and provides me with lessons I still use today and memories I treasure.

So parents of first years, sophomores, and even juniors – if you have not had the discussion about an abroad experience, please talk to your student about it.  There are some stipends and scholarships available to assist students with financial need.

Best. Semester. Ever.

Wake Forest students who have studied

By the end of this evening, most of our students will have registered for their Spring 2013 semester courses.  Some of our students will be taking fewer than the typical 15 credit hour semester, and for a variety of reasons:  it could be they have a difficult course that is a prerequisite for their major and they want to be sure to have a lighter load to focus on it, or perhaps the student is going to go through the Greek recruitment process and wants to make sure to balance academics and social life appropriately, or they are still adjusting to the level of work in college (or in their major) and need to slow the pace of their scholarship.   Other students might have a class they need to take but they have been reluctant to do so during a normal semester, because they really need to concentrate fully on it.

Putting on my academic adviser hat for a moment, I want to recommend to those students (and their families) the Wake Forest Summer Session.  We teach a variety of classes every summer in two abbreviated sessions.  And these can be wonderful options for students who either need to pick up additional credit hours or need to take a challenging-for-them class in a vacuum, away from the normal distractions of social life on campus.

I have known some students who knew they would struggle in a particular divisional requirement who opted to take that class in the summer, and it was a wise decision.  I have also known students who wanted to enter the undergraduate business program and know that they have to fare well in three of its required prerequisite classes, so they have taken one or more of those classes over the summer to dedicate themselves fully to it. Again, a wise choice for those who went that route.  During summer school, there are opportunities for some special programs, such as the Summer Management Program (often referred to as ‘business boot camp for non-business majors’) or accelerated language courses that will help satisfy the language requirement.

The Summer School website shows the various courses listed and the schedules, as well as some of the benefits of attending.  Student testimonials tell the story better than anything else.  This is a tremendous option for many students, and might be something to discuss with your student over Thanksgiving or Winter Break.

The advising period for the spring semester course selection has begun.  Students are barely back from their short Fall Break and they get to turn their attention to their midterm grades (now posted in WIN) and also to think about the next semester.

A word about midterm grades.  I have seen some advisees with a grade they find unpleasant, and some of them are inclined to panic about it.  The good news about a midterm grade is that there is still room to improve it.  Students with troubling grades have a variety of options:  1) go talk to the professor and ask for suggestions to improve, 2) go to the Learning Assistance Center to sign up for individual or group tutoring, 3) take advantage of departmental help centers like the Writing Center, Math Center, or Chem Clinics, and 4) form their own study groups.

Parents, my best advice to you is when you see your student’s midterm grades, don’t flip if you see a bad one.  Ask your student what he or she can do to improve, and what resources on campus might be helpful.  Then let them find the answers through their own research and effort.

In terms of next semester’s classes, you can help your student by listening more and talking less about their schedules.  If they choose to talk to you about their potential classes, instead of saying “yes, take this” or “no, don’t take that,” consider asking them reflective questions back, such as “what excites you about the idea of taking this class?” or “how did you determine this was one you wanted to take?”  That way, you are still talking to them about what they are considering, but you are letting them in a sense think out loud about what they want to do and why.  And they are also going to be more pleased in their choices if they are the ones choosing them.

So much personal growth occurs in our students when they make their own decisions.  The more well thought out, the better.  And every time they research possibilities on their own – whether courses or internships or which student organization to join – they become more and more confident in their ability to manage their own lives.

Today we are featuring an extra message on The Daily Deac, from Christy Buchanan, Associate Dean for Academic Advising.
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Hello from the Office of Academic Advising!  I write this having just returned from the final event of our 2012 Orientation:  a lecture by Melissa Harris-Perry (’94), a Tulane Law professor and MSNBC commentator.  Be assured that it was not a talk advocating particular political views.  Rather, it was a fabulous interweaving of reflections on Ms. Harris-Perry’s own journey as a student at Wake Forest and illustrations of the importance of young people to our democracy throughout history.  Ask your student about it.  Ask your student about the question she urged young people to ask, and ask repeatedly.  I hope each student took away an inspirational nugget or two.

In the question/answer portion, your students asked excellent questions – including some that could have been seen as sensitive or confrontational, but in a respectful way.  Ms. Harris-Perry gave thoughtful, respectful responses and expressed appreciation for their questions.  The interchange modeled exactly what we would have hoped: respectful dialogue about issues of critical importance to us all, respectful dialogue that helps us understand our differences.

At this moment when Orientation events are officially over, I find myself reflecting on the entire orientation period.  I thoroughly enjoyed meeting our new families in late August.  I am grateful for your enthusiasm, your questions, and your steadfast support of your students as they make this exciting transition.  I appreciated being able to share with many of you our ideals for providing a healthy environment where each student can explore, find his or her passions, and thrive both academically and personally.  Providing such an environment requires a partnership among many, including parents.

Please continue to encourage your students to be open to new intellectual pursuits, to talk to their professors, and to avail themselves of the many resources on campus.  These are messages that often need repeating.  Although the college years are important ones for your child’s growing independence and self-responsibility, parents continue to be important influences.  Your young adult child will benefit from your listening ear, from knowing your values, and from having your support and respect as they make important personal and professional decisions.

We in the Office of Academic Advising remain ready and eager to help your student navigate challenges, and to join in celebrating their successes.

~Dr. Christy Buchanan, Associate Dean for Academic Advising

This morning is gray and overcast and very, very humid.  The weather is supposed to improve as the day progresses and should end up near 90 degrees but not quite as humid.  And for our students there is reason to rejoice: it’s the end of the first week of classes, and that will be a relief to have a short week as our students get acclimated (or reacclimated) to the routine of classes.

There are some stresses and pressures that come with the first few days of class, particularly if a student feels like he or she needs to make changes to his/her schedule.  Sometimes this comes after sitting in the first class and feeling like that class is not a good fit.  If your student is not already aware, there is an Open Course Report on the Office of Academic Advising page that shows seats available in courses.  If your student finds one he/she likes, then the Drop/Add process is the route to go.

There are many good opportunities for your students to be involved in fun things this weekend.  The ZSR Library is hosting a Capture the Flag event tonight from 9-11 pm.  Reynolda House Museum of American Art is doing a Cinema Under the Stars, where students can watch The Princess Bride, one of the classic comedies of the late 80s.  Men’s soccer plays Boston U. at 7 pm tonight, and tomorrow is the home opener for football, where WFU takes on Liberty at 6:30 p.m.

Finally, we leave you with one suggestion:  call your student this afternoon.  Our colleagues in Campus Life had done some research a few years back on student behavior, and it was found that students who spoke to their parents on a Friday – even if it was not overtly about alcohol – engaged in less risky behavior than those who did not talk to their parents.  So give them a call, tell them you love and miss them, that you are proud of them.  You can never hear that too much.

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

Because I am an academic advisor, I have gone to a number of Orientation activities with the Class of 2016.  One of my favorite ones to attend is the session by the Office of Personal and Career Development.  It’s always a high energy, fun session.  And again this year, it stayed true to form.

Andy Chan is the Vice President of Personal and Career Development.  Under his leadership, in the past 2 years we’ve doubled the OPCD in both staff size and budget, all to support our students’ personal and career development.

The OPCD has a very student-friendly approach.  They don’t want to stress students out or make them feel like they have a lot of things they have to do in order to get on the path from college to career.  They try to make it very easy.  During the session, they handed out a College to Career passport with easy steps and timelines of things students should be doing.  You can find these same steps on their website, where they are listed out by students’ year.

When the OPCD was formed, the staff talked to a lot of young alumni and asked “if you could go back, what do you wish you had known?”  A common response was: “I wish I would have known more about my career choices before my senior year.”  So the OPCD is here to help students learn those things before senior year.

Probably the highlight of the session was the way in which they introduced their staff.  They did a parody of the opening of the TV show “The Office” – same music, same styling, with hilarious results.  I am trying to get a link to it, and if so I will post.

One of the featured speakers at this session was Heidi Robinson, who teaches a series of career courses that I highly recommend.  She said that the one question that all first-year and sophomore students don’t want to be asked by adults is:  “What’s your major?”  Students hate that question because of an implied belief that your major dictates your career path.

Heidi was adamant on this point:  a major neither guarantees nor precludes entry into the vast majority of career fields.  To demonstrate this point, she showed a series of slides of Wake Forest alumni – many of them famous or in high powered positions – and asked students to guess what their major was.  This was a fun, interactive part of the program – the students used their cell phones to text in their guess of major.  There were lots of chuckles from the audience as they saw the answers coming in and displayed on big bar graphs on the screen and seeing who chose what vs. the real answer.  In most of these cases, the major had no direct link to the career.

Heidi said she hoped that exercise would give these new students the confidence that your major does not mean your career.  That it is ok to explore and choose a major that feels good to you.  She repeated one of the longtime slogans of the OPCD:  “YOU ARE NOT MARRIED TO YOUR MAJOR.”

Heidi explained that the beauty of a liberal arts degree is that it is a flexible tool.  You get a broad based education here and develop great critical thinking and communication skills, and a student’s specific “training” could come in a job, an internship, volunteer roles, etc.  Much more than a major, a student’s skills, experiences, and drive really matter.

The session continued with some video testimonials of young alumni who had used the OPCD’s resources with positive results.  The OPCD staff showed the students how to log into DeaconSource, which is our online system for students to see job and internship opportunities as well as personal and career development related activities.  DeaconSource allows us to tailor mailings and contacts with students based on what they tell us are their career or geographic interests.

Andy Chan closed the session by talking about some of the questions he is frequently asked by students and parents.  One is “do I have to be a business major to get a job in business?”  His answer:  it depends.  If you are passionate about business and that is your best major, do it, he said.  But he stressed that students can also get business exposure through our Summer Management Program (often referred to by students as ‘business boot camp’), or Wake’s MA in Management, which is a program right after graduation that gives students a real intensive business training plus career development.  Students can also major in their department of choice but choose to pursue an entrepreneurship minor.  There are many paths here.

Andy stressed the importance of students exploring – both academically and extracurricularly.  He told students to make sure they are connected, especially to the OPCD.  Take some action – see a counselor, talk to people in your parents’ network about their jobs – what do they do? how do they like it?

At the end of the session, Andy asked the students to take out a piece of paper in their Career Passport that asks for the students’ name, ID number and email address.  He asked students to list 3 top potential careers and then also 3 destinations for places they’d want to live.  The OPCD will take the results and put them into each student’s DeaconSource profile and that way the OPCD can start tailoring communications to each student.

The fun part here was that the form also had outlines to fold it into a paper airplane – and students were asked to launch their airplanes all at once in Wait Chapel.  I have some grainy video of it – opcd movie – it was a fun moment.  UPDATE on August 30th – here are two more views of the fun:  one from the bottom level and one from the balcony.

By the way, if you are the parent of an upperclassmen, your student can – and should! – tap into the OPCD’s resources too.  It is never too late to start on the path from college to career.

Today is the last “free” day before classes begin.  It’s a beautiful week on campus – with weather in the mid 80s and not too much chance of rain.  For those Deac families who live in the Gulf Coast, we are thinking of you as Isaac approaches.  Be safe.

Orientation activities continue this morning for the Class of 2016, and one of the items on the agenda is a session with the Office of Personal and Career Development.  If your student has not already hooked into the resources of this office, please urge him/her to do so.  There’s a great story on the WFU website about one sophomore student who has benefited from all the OPCD has to offer.

In other web gems, my intrepid colleagues in Communications and External Relations have complied some fun items about Move-In.  There are videos, photos, and even a  Storify section (that combines things from Twitter that talk about Wake Forest and orientation).  Check them out.

Our new students and upperclassmen are just a few weeks away from starting school.  It’s an exciting time, a time of new beginnings.  There are countless opportunities to be involved in and out of the classroom – sometimes so many options that students have trouble choosing.  But this is perhaps the only time in students’ lives that they will be as free as they are with their time and their obligations, and we want them to make the most of their college experience.

While thinking about this idea of how to make the most out of college, I did a little looking on the internet.  There are many web sites that give you tips about college life, but I liked this one because its suggestions are “based on a 10-year study of which factors were most likely to improve students’ learning and overall happiness. For this study, researchers interviewed faculty from 24 institutions and 1600 students about the quality of teaching and advising the academic choices the students had made and how they spent their spare time.”

They include tips like: get to know at least one faculty member, study in groups, and take a mix of courses.  This list is from a book called Making the Most of College by Professor Richard J. Light (Harvard University Press), and the top tips are online in this summary.  Not surprisingly, these are not wild, revolutionary ideas – they are more common sense.  But sometimes it’s good to be reminded of them.

This article caught my eye because of the title of the author’s book – Everybody is Stupid Except You (brilliant!)  It talks about the value of asking for help when you need it.  Could be academic help, personal help – but nonetheless, there are many resources here to assist students if they simply let us know they could use some help.

This is a hard concept for some of our students, because they are so accustomed to doing well on their own, so it can be a shock to the system when they encounter a bit of struggle.  You can help here, parents and families, by reinforcing to them that it is a sign of strength to admit you need help, rather than having trouble and persisting in trying to go it alone.  There is no merit in encountering a problem and chewing and chewing on it and never changing anything.  You have to act differently to get different results.