Preparing for a successful career is more than simply meeting your degree requirements. Think about what will set you apart from others with the same educational background and how you will market yourself to future employers.
Each year, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveys its employer members about their hiring plans and other employment-related issues to project the market for new college graduates for the current class and to assess a variety of conditions that may influence that market. Use the information below to help guide you in making yourself marketable for internship and full-time career opportunities.
Influence of Attributes (Experience to acquire and demonstrate on your resume)
| ATTRIBUTE | 2022 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2021 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2020 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Has completed an internship with your organization | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Has internship experience in your industry | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Major | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| Has general work experience | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Has held a leadership position | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.9 |
| Has been involved in extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, student government, etc.) | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| Has no work experience | 3.3 | 3.2 | 3.4 |
| High GPA (3.0 or above) | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.5 |
| Has done volunteer work | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.7 |
| School attended | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.7 |
| Is fluent in a foreign language | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Has studied abroad | 2.0 | 1.8 | 2.0 |
Source: Job Outlook 2022, National Association of Colleges and Employers. *5-point scale where 1=No influence at all; 2=Not much influence; 3=Somewhat of an influence; 4=Very much influence; 5=Extreme influence.
Attributes Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume (Skills to acquire and demonstrate on your resume)
| ATTRIBUTE | % OF RESPONDENTS |
|---|---|
| Problem-solving skills | 85.5% |
| Analytical/quantitative skills | 78.6% |
| Ability to work in a team | 76.3% |
| Communication skills (written) | 73.3% |
| Initiative | 72.5% |
| Strong work ethic | 71.0% |
| Technical skills | 64.9% |
| Flexibility/adaptability | 63.4% |
| Detail-oriented | 62.6% |
| Leadership | 60.3% |
| Communication skills (verbal) | 58.8% |
| Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) | 56.5% |
| Computer skills | 52.7% |
| Organizational ability | 42.0% |
| Strategic planning skills | 38.2% |
| Creativity | 26.7% |
| Friendly/outgoing personality | 21.4% |
| Tactfulness | 19.1% |
| Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker | 14.5% |
| Fluency in a foreign language | 5.3% |
Source: Job Outlook 2022, National Association of Colleges and Employers