We are in DC this week to visit AU & GWU. I was shocked by the lack of professionalism at our GWU Information Session. It was student led and a train wreck. The student straight out told us that she was a graduating senior and didn’t have a job lined up. She mentioned it several times and was rambling at times. This was worrisome as her major was International Studies and that was my son’s intended major. I will say we had a fabulous young man give us the tour. It was his first solo tour and I was so impressed by him. Honestly If we had not gone on the tour GWU would have come off the list. I did fill out my feedback email, so I hope it’s something they look into. If you have gone to a GWU info session - how was your session compared to other schools? I am wondering if this was just an “off” day. In contrast AU’s info session was very professional and informative. An admissions representative led the session - not a student.
My son is currently a student at GW. I honestly don’t remember the info session at all. I only remember the sessions at schools that had something weird about them, so a bad info session definitely will stick out in your mind. However, we both still remember the student led tour because he referenced it a few times in his ‘why GW’ essay. I’m glad you left feedback and I hope others did also. It’s the only way they would know how bad it was unless there was an AO there at the session.
The info sessions have been student-led for as long as I can remember (I was admitted in 2007). I don’t think it’s about the administrators shirking duties so much as them wanting students- people who know the school more intimately than staff- to lead the sessions. It’s a shame the female student you interacted with was more professional.
With regard to your concern at the International Studies program, (or any degree program at GW for that matter) nothing can guarantee a job after graduation. However, if a student takes advantage of the opportunities presented to them (internships, networking events, Career Services, etc) then they will most likely have a job after graduation. I’ve seen first-hand that some students just don’t try hard enough and expect things to “happen.” Those are the ones that don’t have jobs after graduation. Bottom-line: if your son is motivated and takes advantage of what GW has to offer, he’ll be in a great position compared to many of his peers, nationally.