Why we hire graduates from Kentucky colleges and think you should, too

I recently overheard two customers in a coffee shop discussing college choices for their children. They talked tuition, post-graduate career opportunities and college rankings. One suggested his child’s career goals might be better met if they attended college outside Kentucky. The other, shrugged, uncertain how Kentucky compares. 

I wanted to chime in and say to both, “Please don’t underestimate Kentucky’s colleges! They are doing some amazing things and their graduates can compete with anyone.” But I know the hazards of giving unsolicited advice to strangers, especially when it comes to their children.

But the truth is, Kentucky’s colleges and universities are producing outstanding, bright, talented graduates who are as skilled and career-ready as graduates from well-known out-of-state schools. In fact, Deloitte employs more than 200 people in its Louisville and Frankfort offices and many of them were hired soon after they graduated from Kentucky schools. 

In short, we’re very satisfied with and optimistic about the graduates coming out of Kentucky’s colleges. And we want other area employers to hire them. These young people make important contributions to the commonwealth and are crucial to its future. 

If you’re an employer that needs help now and may be reluctant to place responsibilities on the shoulders of recent grads, I would say, you might be surprised at how well Kentucky’s colleges are preparing their students, and how quickly their graduates learn on the job.

Consider Taylon Crume, who started with Deloitte less than 6 months ago after attending the University of Louisville, when he earned a BA in Political Science and English as well as an MBA. In his short tenure with us, he has put his education to use by supporting the launch of the commonwealth’s health care marketplace known as kynect health coverage. Taylor’s local knowledge and network are true differentiators for our team as they offer direct support to agents and kynectors during open enrollment.

During the last 12 months, Deloitte has hired 57 new college grads from various Kentucky campuses, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine. Our surge in hiring is directly linked to our confidence in the skill and talent that’s coming out of Kentucky’s schools.

Hannah Welch, from Bardstown, started with Deloitte right after graduating from Centre College in 2017.  Since then, she has led numerous training and communications efforts in support of the commonwealth’s work related to health care and substance use disorders. Hannah currently leads a team dedicated to expanding opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries so they can receive services in their own homes or communities, rather than in institutions or isolated settings. Hannah brings her passion and intelligence about health and social welfare policy to work every day on behalf of Kentuckians. 

Hiring from Kentucky campuses is not only good for businesses, it’s also vital to the commonwealth’s future, according to the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet. A stronger Kentucky economy requires businesses to work with colleges and universities to grow the jobs of the future, while reducing the so-called “brain drain” that occurs when local graduates leave the state to work elsewhere.

Deloitte is proud to support this effort to keep local college graduates in Kentucky and to encourage more “brain gain” for the commonwealth by hiring out-of-state students who choose to stay here to launch their careers.

Recruiting is never easy, especially now. But Kentucky’s colleges and businesses have a lot to offer one another. Deloitte is proud to encourage and support this collaboration. 

Source: Courier Journal – Kevin Pollari, Opinion Contributor