Employers' Perceptions of the Employability Skills of New Graduates in the UK
As a careers and employability professional working in UK higher education, you know that the skills and knowledge that graduates possess are essential for their success in the workplace. But what do employers really value in new graduates?
A recent study by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) found that the top five employability skills that employers look for in new graduates are:
Communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Teamwork skills
Critical thinking skills
Leadership skills
These skills are essential for graduates to be able to succeed in a variety of workplace settings. For example, communication skills are important for being able to effectively collaborate with colleagues, problem-solving skills are essential for being able to identify and resolve problems, and teamwork skills are important for being able to work effectively with others.
In addition to these five core skills, employers also value a number of other employability skills in new graduates. These include:
Adaptability
Digital literacy
Self-management
Resilience
Initiative
These skills are becoming increasingly important in the workplace, as the world of work continues to change and evolve. By developing these skills, graduates can make themselves more attractive to employers and increase their chances of securing a successful job.
As a careers and employability professional, you can play a vital role in helping graduates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. By working with employers to identify the skills they are looking for, you can ensure that your graduates are equipped with the right skills to meet the needs of the modern workplace.
Here are some specific ways that you can help graduates develop their employability skills:
Provide opportunities for graduates to gain work experience through internships, placements, or volunteering.
Offer training and development programs that focus on employability skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Connect graduates with employers through networking events, job fairs, and career counseling services.
Help graduates develop their personal brand and create a strong online presence.
By taking these steps, you can help graduates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace and secure a successful job.
For more information on employability skills, please visit the following resources:
Institute of Student Employers (ISE): https://ise.org.uk/
The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS): https://www.agcas.org.uk/
Prospects Luminate: https://luminate.prospects.ac.uk/
You can also browse all of HE Professional’s free content on Graduate Employability and find out more about our annual Graduate Employability Conference in October.
