The outlook for college graduates has improved over previous years.
According to an article by
Dawn Oberman and
Mimi Colins in the winter 1995
issue of the
Journal of Career Planning & Employment, more employers expect
to hire more graduates this year than they did last year.
Employers are expected to continue to recruit most heavily from the cream
of the crop. As a result, not only should you develop those skills that
employers find most desirable, make sure that you communicate that you
possess those skills to prospective employers.
According to Oberman and Colins, employers want students with
- good oral communication skills
- interpersonal skills
- teamwork skills
- flexibility skills
- analytical skills
- written communication skills
- proficiency in their fields of study
- leadership skills and knowledge of computers.
Make yourself more marketable by getting work experience, whether through
co-ops, internships or part-time positions, even if the position is outside
of your field of study.
Some students are cautious about working because of the time it can take
away from studying. However, research indicates that students who work 20
hours per week or less typically perform better academically than those
students who don't work. In addition, working while attending school will
help you learn the art of managing your time, a skill that will be a big
asset when you enter the full-time job market.
Information provided by Dana London, the Senior Administrative Director of
the University of Minnesota Job Center.
