Although employers expect skills and related work experience from today’s college graduates, they also have begun to focus on additional key competencies that are critical for success in today’s economy:
Integrity. Your employment will depend on your ability to act in an ethical manner at work and in the community.
Innovation. You should be able to evaluate, synthesize, and create knowledge that will lead to new products and services. Employers seek individuals who are willing to take some risks and explore innovative and better ways to deliver products and services.
Initiative. A great employee is able to recognize the need to take action, such as helping a team member, approaching a new client, or taking on assignments without being asked. Employers don’t want employees who will wait passively for a supervisor to provide work assignments; they want people who will see what has to be done and do it.
Commitment. Both employers and graduate schools look for a candidate’s commitment to lifelong learning. They want you to express what you really love to study and are willing to learn on your own initiative. The best foundation for this competency is to be engaged in an academic program in which you wake up every morning eager to go to class.