Workforce preparation relies on liberal education. What do graduates need to know to succeed in the workplace and how does college education contribute to the development of the right skill set?
The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) in partnership with Hanover Research published a report on the findings of a survey conducted with the participation of almost 500 executives and hiring managers across a wide range of industries. The survey focused on their experiences regarding recently hired liberally educated graduates and how this plays a role for success in the job market.
According to Lynn Pasquarella, President of the AACU and who wrote the foreword of the report, nine in ten employers believe that it is important to achieve the learning outcomes that define a contemporary liberal education, and that it is worthwhile to obtain a college degree. However, only six in ten say that recent graduates possess the knowledge and skills needed for success in entry-level positions at their companies and organizations.
It seems clear that companies value liberally educated graduates. However, the report shows that not all recent graduates have received a liberal education. This, discrepancy may account for the finding that one in three employers does not have confidence in higher education, Pasquarella said.
Employer views on higher education and workforce prepared
It is safe to say that employers seek applicants with a particular type of education, according to the report. Such education should include student engagement “in forms of inquiry that train the intellect through a focus on real-world problems that draw the learner into relationship with others.”
In other words, employers seek liberally educated job candidates. The report strongly suggests that a liberal education will pay-off and students will obtain the return on investment (ROI) they expect after graduation.
To help campus leaders, practitioners, and educators, the study suggests the following practical action steps they can apply on their campuses:
- Equip students to name and reflect upon the skills that matter: Employers endorse skills developed by a liberal education. When students know what those skills are, they can easily communicate how their education connects to workforce needs.
- Make mindsets and aptitudes an explicit part of learning, inside and outside the classroom: This will help students have a better understanding of what they can contribute as graduates and professionals.
- Assess skills and mindsets to ensure college graduates are prepared to succeed and to advance: While employers report that the majority of college graduates are prepared to succeed in entry-level positions, far fewer graduate with the full set of skills they need to advance their career or be promoted. Assessment at the beginning, middle, and end of the college journey lets educators truly know if students are prepared to enter the workforce and climb the ladder.
- Ensure high-impact learning experiences can be equitably accessed by students from all backgrounds and that students are supported to succeed in these experiences: Applied learning experiences weight-in in the hiring process. Employers report that is not enough to make these learning experiences available on campus. Equity in access to, and succeed in these experiences must be a priority to enable students to succeed in college and in their careers.
- Give students a way to tell employers their story: Most employers prefer ePortfolios over Transcripts. ePortfolios let students reflect on their learning, showcase their experience, and curate everything into a professional portfolio they can use on applications to enter the job market.
- Leverage general education to reinforce why breadth and depth of learning matter: General education must be align with majors to promote ongoing skill development, from cornerstone to capstone.
Lastly, a few key takeaways from the report that colleges and universities may wish to consider include:
- A liberal education provides the knowledge and skills employers view as important for career success
- Personal aptitudes and mindsets also play an important role in career success.
- Completion of active and applied learning experiences gives job applicants a clear advantage.
- Employers see room for improvement in the preparation of college graduates for work.