The Hudson Group’s Post

Whether you’re a decade into your career or just starting post-secondary education, there is always something to learn from taking risks and trying new things. For those of you who know me personally, you know how much I love and value the co-op program at Waterloo. The experiences and people I’ve met throughout these last five years have shaped me into the person I am today- professionally and personally. Check out this short piece I wrote about diversifying work experiences throughout my co-op journey: https://lnkd.in/gYwuuJcH

Learn some more about law at The University of Winchester by listening to Thomas and Emma...

I ask you watch to the end. Minouche Shafik, President of Columbia University, a top tier higher education school in America has no clue about the University Policies, Procedures, Tenure, Guidelines and Dismissal for faculty. She has an impressive background yet out of touch. In fairness she started the position in 7/2023. Who’s hiring these timid people? “Every department & area of study has their “own needs” this President declared under oath as she crumbled. Others will (if) “tell her their needs” What? This can’t be true? So many things to consider. Where are the guidelines? Minouche was clear she doesn’t know what’s needed? Huh? An overall policy agenda is online but needs revamping. A real one used should be available for all to see. The University is a school of domestic & many international students and educators… they all have needs & opinions. Some think violence is acceptable. Not in America! 🇺🇸 Columbia has overall policy info on web but not thorough. I suggest Columbia hire trained & experienced HR attorneys & professionals in many areas of expertise that go over every policy, procedure of hiring methods and needs of the school. Academia is a specific area yes but clear guidelines are absolutist for hiring, tenure, dismissal, harassment and safety of all.

EVERY graduate school, EVERY employer should do this on a regular basis: a list of colleges where students who enrolled or were hired went to college. Looking at this list from Harvard Law School in the 1L class shows undergrad degrees from Arizona State University, Auburn University, Brooklyn College, Canisius University, Clark University, DePaul University, DePauw University, Drake University, Florida International University, Montclair State University (shoutout to president Jonathan Koppell), Santa Clara University, The College of New Jersey, University of Central Florida, The University of Memphis, University of Oklahoma and more. I only wish they'd list number of enrollees per university and do it on a three-year rolling average. But it's a start for what I want to do in my next book, "Dream College," which will try to widen our aperture of perspectives in our college search beyond the T20. What will it take to make this the rule rather than the exception across higher ed and the workforce? https://lnkd.in/eB9W-wgK #LITrending

Prestige schools lead to prestige outcomes? We need to really question this widely accepted narrative. First, a correlation is there, but not strong as the narrative claims. Second, the anecdotal data (which really drives the narrative) is often self-referential, cherry picked, and is survivor biased. Also, "averages" and "typical examples" have their uses in many analysis, but higher education success isn't one of them. The outcomes related to higher education last a lifetime, are multidimensional, and include definitions which are not enduring nor universal. Take for instance "prestige." Coming out of school, that means a higher paying job at a widely recognized company. Later in life "prestige" is about recognition among peers and community. And on one's deathbed, no one's saying: "I wish I had more prestige." Humans are complex and idiosyncratic. Lifetime results are the same. What matters more is what someone does with the circumstances they have. What matters less is the brand prestige of any particular institution along the way. Yes, it may matter a little in some time bound metric, but it is far from a key driver of a life well lived. Early adult debt levels probably have a far greater effect than any institutional prestige. That's the new narrative by which we need to select our educational institutions, and we need to drop the focus on X at any cost.

Deep breaths. Here it is. My dissertation, published. https://lnkd.in/gAsNX2Xq I'm immensely proud of the time and effort that was put in to make this a reality. We don't often talk about how demanding higher education can be, particularly for those who are also working full time jobs, who are parents, and who have a host of other responsibilities to keep the lights on, a roof over the heads of our family, and food on the table. This isn't a degree to check a box. This is a commitment. This is a choice. This takes work. To those who helped make this possible, I can't thank you enough. To those who are considering higher education: believe in yourselves, believe in what you can do, and believe what the work can do for others. To those who want better spaces for law enforcement professionals, I hope you are able to find time to read this. And, I hope it takes us in a positive direction. The profession, and the people, deserves it. #lawenforcement #wellness #police #mentalhealth #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #research #researchstudy #researchforchange

With the landscape of academia shifting beneath our feet, understanding the sanctity of tenure — and how it’s changing — is crucial for educators navigating their careers. Learn more in today's blog! https://lnkd.in/eTDFTx69

I get asked a lot from prospective clients if they are "good enough" to apply to a top MBA program if they haven't gone to a competitive undergrad university. AND my answer is always the same – do you think these MBA programs (HBS, Stanford, Columbia, Wharton and more) ONLY are interested in people who went to Ivy League schools??? The answer is absolutely NO. And while Harvard Law School isn't Harvard Business School, I'd argue their approach is pretty aligned. Check out this list of students at Harvard Law School this academic year!!! https://lnkd.in/eicEdrgY

Sharing some professional news: I have decided to step down as Dean at the end of June. It has been a great 7 years and I am proud of what our Western Law community has built together. Thanks to all the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make Western Law such a special place. Link to my full message below.