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. Use the information below to help guide you in making yourself marketable for internship and full-time career opportunities.
Influence of Attributes
| ATTRIBUTE | 2021 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2020 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2019 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Has completed an internship with your organization | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Has internship experience in your industry | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Major | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| Has held a leadership position | 3.6 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Has general work experience | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.7 |
| Has been involved in extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, student government, etc.) | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.5 |
| High GPA (3.0 or above) | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.4 |
| Has no work experience | 3.2 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| Has done volunteer work | 2.8 | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| School attended | 2.5 | 2.7 | 2.8 |
| Is fluent in a foreign language | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.2 |
| Has studied abroad | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.2 |
Source: Job Outlook 2021 Spring Update, 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
| ATTRIBUTE | % OF RESPONDENTS |
|---|---|
| Ability to work in a team | 81.0% |
| Problem-solving skills | 79.0% |
| Analytical/quantitative skills | 76.1% |
| Communication skills (verbal) | 73.2% |
| Communication skills (written) | 72.7% |
| Initiative | 67.8% |
| Leadership | 67.8% |
| Technical skills | 67.8% |
| Flexibility/adaptability | 65.9% |
| Strong work ethic | 65.4% |
| Computer skills | 59.0% |
| Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) | 57.6% |
| Detail-oriented | 56.1% |
| Organizational ability | 39.0% |
| Creativity | 29.8% |
| Strategic planning skills | 28.3% |
| Friendly/outgoing personality | 25.9% |
| Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker | 19.5% |
| Tactfulness | 17.6% |
| Fluency in a foreign language | 3.4% |
Source: Job Outlook 2021 Spring Update, National Association of Colleges and Employers