Nearly all employers surveyed (95%) say they give hiring preference to college graduates with skills that will enable them to contribute to innovation in the workplace.
More than nine in ten agree that innovation is essential to their organizations continued success.
Employers recognize capacities that cut across majors as critical to a candidates potential for career success, and they view these skills as more important than a students choice of undergraduate major.
Nearly all those surveyed (93%) agree, a candidates demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major.
More than nine in ten of those surveyed say it is important that those they hire demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity; intercultural skills; and the capacity for continued new learning.
More than three in four employers say they want colleges to place more emphasis on helping students develop five key learning outcomes, including: critical thinking, complex problem-solving, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings.
Employers endorse several educational practices as potentially helpful in preparing college students for workplace success. These include practices that require students to a) conduct research and use evidence-based analysis; b) gain in-depth knowledge in the major and analytic, problem solving, and communication skills; and c) apply their learning in real-world settings.