The COVID-19 pandemic suspended life as we know it and caused us to question things we used to take for granted. We look back on a full year ago when schedules packed full of appointments, social gatherings, and errands were suddenly wiped clean. Work shifted from bustling campuses and office buildings to improvised home workstations, carved out in corners of dining rooms or spare bedrooms.
Naturally, many of these changes have created a sense of loss. However, in the midst of the disorientation, some have found opportunity. For many, this season has prompted evaluation of life choices—including career. A crisis can be a key inflection point to make a decisive shift into something more meaningful.
A career in higher education has resonated with many as a way to make a lasting difference. Colleges and universities are shaping the next generation of leaders. They are our future. The students in classrooms today will rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Individuals working at every level of higher education help students to become thoughtful, resilient, and innovative leaders who will make a difference. Education leaves a lasting legacy. This sense of purpose has only intensified during the pandemic. Students have banded together to adapt to new learning platforms, care for their community, and grow in fresh ways.
Dr. Marylouise Fennell, RSM, is the co-founding partner of Hyatt – Fennell Executive Search and senior counsel for the Washington-based Council of Independent Colleges.
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