Faculty of Arts Alumni Survey 2013

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Surveys were sent to all WLU Arts Alumni for whom we had an address. Total Surveys Sent: 10,810 Total Responses: 1,169 (10.8%)

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Question: My Laurier Arts Degree helped me become (Please check all that apply): Number of Responses: 1138 (97%)

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 All Ranked Attributes – Cumulative Number of Responses: 1138 (97%) Question: Rank the top three skills developed by your Arts degree.

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Question 4 Rate your level of satisfaction (from 1 to 5) with the way in which your Laurier Arts degree has influenced your career: All Respondents: Level of Satisfaction Total Responses: 1154 (99%) Level of Satisfaction% Entirely Dissatisfied4% Generally Dissatisfied6% Neutral12% Generally Satisfied44% Entirely Satisfied34%

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Question 7: What would you say to a high school grad entering Laurier Arts this coming September? “You are going to have a great educational experience.” Paul Heinbecker (BA ’65 – English and History) Retired Diplomat “The content of the arts program is intended to give a broad exposure and understanding of the Humanities, to prepare an individual to think critically on many subjects and approach life's big questions with an open mind.” Thomas Turner Kitchen (BA ‘69 - Philosophy and Political Science) Retired Certified Financial Planner “The earlier you improve your communication skills, the better your university experience will be on every level.” Peter Hyne (BA ’72 – Philosophy and English) Former CEO of a financial systems company “Education as in all life experiences is what YOU make of it. Pursue all your life goals with passion, commitment and vigor. Through my Arts Degree I was able to explore topics and issues that I felt deeply about. I tried to make personal connections to all that I studied.” Brent Kaulback, (BA ’74 - History and Political Science) Assistant Superintendent of Education

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Question 7: What would you say to a high school grad entering Laurier Arts this coming September? “Being able to think logically and research alternatives is a skill that is needed in any job. The ability to write concisely and clearly is in demand. The lack of that ability in business has kept me employed as a writer and editor. Knowing how to find information and disseminate it, and then explain it concisely is a much valued skill.” Lisa MacColl (BA ’85 – Political Science and French) Writer and Editor “You are going to LOVE IT!!! I would also say -- get involved in campus activities related to arts.” Lori Landry (BA ’85 – English and Communications Studies) Chief Marketing Officer “Craft the skills that will make you exceptional in the world - leadership, communications, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Don't think this is the end of your learning, it's only the beginning.” Cynthia Sundberg (BA ’94 – Sociology and Psychology) Vice-President, Operations and Administration “Open yourself to as many learning opportunities you can and then pursue the area about which you are most passionate.” Jeff Bowden (BA ’94 – Political Science and English) Marketing & Communications Consultant Respondents who agreed to be identified: 356 (40%)

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Respondents who agreed to be identified: 356 (40%) Question 7: What would you say to a high school grad entering Laurier Arts this coming September? “Though what you learn in the classroom is important, it's the process of learning how to learn that's more important in terms of post-university life and employment.” Jason Shim (BA ’07 – Religion & Culture) Digital Media Manager “Take courses in plenty of different disciplines before settling on a major. I was incredibly surprised that Political Science fascinated me and I ended up doing a double major.” Jessie Overton (BA’09 – Global Studies and Political Science) Teacher “It can be tricky trying to nail out the '"what am I going to do for the rest of my life'" dilemma, but fear not…. Ultimately, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree gives you a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to many different career paths.” Emily Evans (BA ’12 – Communications Studies) Advertising Copywriter “Follow your heart and interests when it comes to picking elective courses. DO the readings and find topics that really interest you…. The skills I learned when I loved my work were much more valuable than when I chose the easiest things in my first 2 years.” Michelle Billings (BA ’12 – Environmental Studies) Cancer Research Assistant in a university hospital

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Respondents: By Area of Study Major Joint Major Minor Total % Anthropology % Archaeology % Communication Studies % Economics % English & Film Studies % Fine Arts % Geography % Global Studies % History % Languages % Philosophy % Political Science % Psychology % Religion & Culture % Sociology % Women & Gender Studies % Number of Responses: 1162 (99%) MajorJoint Major Minor

Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013 Respondents: By Year of Graduation Number of Responses: 1078 (92%)