What Employers Want
In a 2007 survey by the National Leadership Council for Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP), most employers expressed concern that college graduates had the basic skills to be hired and to compete in the global economy. The survey, conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, said that colleges and universities need to more thoroughly apply a liberal arts education to ensure graduates’ success. According to one corporate executive, Wayne C. Johnson, of Hewlett Packard, too often college graduates come into the company with the technical knowledge "but what is missing is using the right side of the brain — where communication and creativity takes place."
In today’s highly technological, fast-changing workplace, employees are demanding agile workers, who are highly flexible and able to adjust as new jobs emerge. Most students will, at some time in their career, work in jobs that don’t exist today. With work relationships in flux, graduates need to be prepared to strike out on their own as entrepreneurs who become contractors and subcontractors in their field. They need to be able to cope with the new management model of negotiate, coordinate, and facilitate.
Most employers believe that a liberal arts foundation with on-the-job experience can sharpen the skills most necessary for today’s global economy. Here’s what employers are looking for in applicants:
- Works well as a team member
- Has strong thinking and reasoning skills
- Possesses high ethical standards
- Writes and speaks effectively
- Is comfortable with different attitudes and opinions
- Demonstrates problem-solving skills
- Interacts well with different racial groups or cultures
- Is a self-starter
- Is able to set clear goals
- Demonstrates self-confidence
- Has an interest in exploring new ideas
- Has leadership skills
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