Academic success and early career outcomes: Can honors alumni be distinguished from non-honors alumni?. (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kool, A.; Mainhard, M. T.; Jaarsma, A. D. C.; Brekelmans, M.; van Beukelen, P.
• Is Part Of: High ability studies. Volume 27:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Honors -- high-achieving students -- academic achievement -- alumni -- early career; Gifted children -- Periodicals; Gifted persons -- Periodicals; Enfants surdoués -- Périodiques; Surdoués -- Périodiques; 153.98
• DOI: 10.1080/13598139.2016.1238818
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8139

Abstract

Abstract: This study compared Dutch alumni who previously participated in an honors program ( n = 72) to non-honors alumni who entered university as high-achieving high school students ( n = 72) with regard to (1) final university grade point average (GPA) and (2) early career outcomes. Final grades were drawn from university files. Using an online questionnaire, participants were asked to rate themselves on work engagement and other characteristics in their current jobs. Results indicate that, compared to the non-honors control group, honors alumni had a higher study GPA at the end of their studies and higher work engagement after graduation, while job characteristics were found to be similar. Implications for educators and job recruiters are discussed.