Employers Favor Liberal Education, Communication Skills Over College Major

Survey Finds Employers Prefer Candidates with Writing, Thinking Skills

  Recent survey results published by the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) revealed that employers favor hiring graduates who possess abilities best provided by a liberal educationcritical thinking, problem solving and communications skills, all of which are emphasized in UD's Core curriculum. The AAC&U, a national association that promotes the quality and public standing of liberal education, reported that 93 percent of the 318 business and non-profit leaders surveyed indicated that these skills are more important to them than a candidate's undergraduate major. Employers also favored candidates with ethical judgment and integrity, as well as intercultural skills.

"Employers are not just seeking candidates with static technical skills and a specific 'major'," said Julie Janik, director of career services. "Instead, they are seeking versatile candidates who can identify and solve problems, candidates who can imagine and execute innovative strategies and who can work within a team, understanding the points of views of others."

The report also found that 74 percent of employers would recommend a liberal education to a young person as a way to prepare for long-term professional success. Approximately the same percentage also indicated that colleges should place more emphasis on these skills.

"Liberally educated students can reason and communicate, skills which are universally desired by all employers seeking to increase efficiency and to improve performance," said Janik.

The full survey results are available here.