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 | 2020 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2019 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2018 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Has completed an internship with your organization | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Has internship experience in your industry | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Major | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Has held a leadership position | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Has general work experience | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Has been involved in extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, student government, etc.) | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| Has no work experience | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.4 |
| High GPA (3.0 or above) | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| School attended | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.9 |
| Has done volunteer work | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.6 |
| Is fluent in a foreign language | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.1 |
| Has studied abroad | 2.0 | 2.2 | 2.0 |
Source: Job Outlook 2020, 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 |
|---|---|
| Communication skills (written) | 82.0% |
| Problem-solving skills | 80.9% |
| Ability to work in a team | 78.7% |
| Initiative | 74.2% |
| Analytical/quantitative skills | 71.9% |
| Strong work ethic | 70.8% |
| Communication skills (verbal) | 67.4% |
| Leadership | 67.4% |
| Detail-oriented | 59.6% |
| Technical skills | 59.6% |
| Flexibility/adaptability | 58.4% |
| Computer skills | 55.1% |
| Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) | 52.8% |
| Organizational ability | 43.8% |
| Strategic planning skills | 38.2% |
| Tactfulness | 25.8% |
| Creativity | 23.6% |
| Friendly/outgoing personality | 22.5% |
| Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker | 16.9% |
| Fluency in a foreign language | 11.2% |
Source: Job Outlook 2019, National Association of Colleges and Employers