The Role of Higher Education in Career Development: Employer Perceptions

GPAs and majors don’t matter to employers as much as internships, according to a survey conducted by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Of course, you need relevant coursework and good grades in order to land the best internships.

Some key findings:

• Colleges and universities should seek to break down the false dichotomy of liberal arts and career development – they are intrinsically linked.
• Colleges and universities should support rich experiential opportunities that truly integrate the liberal arts with real-world learning as communication skills and problem solving skills. These are in high demand, seen as lacking, and seen as a college’s responsibility to teach.
• When it comes to the skills most needed by employers, job candidates are lacking most in written and oral communication skills, adaptability and managing multiple priorities, and making decisions and problem solving.
• Employers place the responsibility on colleges to prepare graduates in written and oral communications and decision-making skills. Results indicate that colleges need to work harder to produce these traits in their graduates.

From the Chronicle of Higher Education, The Role of Higher Education in Career Development: Employer Perceptions 2012