Each college student attends class every day with a goal in mind that in four years they will be prepared to interview, get a job and be successful in building a career.
However, according to two national surveys of business and nonprofit leaders and current college students, conducted by Hart Research Associates and the Association of American Colleges and Universities, students may not be as prepared as we think.
The employers surveyed gave college graduates low scores for preparedness across learning outcomes; students think they are better prepared.
The survey revealed that employers thought broad learning was most important to build a long career.
Students and employers were all in agreement that the most important learning outcomes are written and oral communication, teamwork skills, ethical decision making, critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world settings.
The survey also shows that 78 percent of employers surveyed believe students need to learn intercultural skills and have some knowledge of societies and countries outside the United States.
As future Cabrini graduates others may find employment in the area or move to other parts of the country or world. Cabrini’s own survey results from a local employer and two out of the area employers revealed similar and some additional findings.
Dave Eckstein, professional engineer for EBAA Iron in Eastland, Texas, said, “Candidates show a fairly wide range of traits and capabilities. Today’s composite college grad, in my view, is a friendly, scholastically well-prepared individual. On the down side they are unrealistic about their role in the workplace, they lack work ethic and integrity. Basically they reflect society in general.”
Tad Makowieki, co-owner of Ryno Production in Pittsburgh, Pa., said, “Written communication is a skill mostly lacking in our hires. We just hired two graphic/animation artists. They are both extremely talented, but one can write and the other can’t.”
Cabrini graduate Michael Kazanjian is the vice president, head of Annuity and Retirement Plan Services Marketing in Philadelphia, Pa.
Kazanjian said, “One of the most important things a recent graduate needs to keep in mind is to never undersell their lack of professional experience. Employers value a fresh point of view. The best response an employee can give when asked to take on a difficult assignment is, “I’m not entirely sure how to go about this, but I’m going to find out.” Honesty and confidence.”
Cabrini students agree with the survey that they are prepared for the work force after graduation.
“I’m getting prepared to go out in the real world by getting an internship that is prepping me for what I could be doing in my future,” Shaun Ostrowski, senior communication major, said.
“I think Cabrini is different through alumni mentoring – it’s the alumni network that is very helpful, as alumni I’ve talked to have always offered great insight,” Rob Riches, 2014 graduate, said.
Employers look for fresh faces out of college in competitive world environments, with new skills that can benefit the company. With different senior year courses, students are able to build the skills they need to enter the work force after graduation.
