Broad-based knowledge or technical skills? Employers say we’ll take both – along with a few years of experience — from higheredwatch.newamerica.net by Mary Alice McCarthy

Excerpt:

A recent survey released by Northeastern University nicely captures the near total lack of agreement on the mix of knowledge and skills today’s college graduates need to succeed.  The absence of consensus isn’t the result of disagreements between business and the general public. To the contrary, results from two polls – one of 263 business “hiring decision makers” and the other of 1000 adults – closely track one another.  Rather, the responses reflect deep ambivalence on the part of both groups about the purpose of higher education, the needs and roles of employers, and the qualities that lead to career success.

 

From DSC:
I’d like to thank Amy Laitinen (@amylaitinen1) for this item; regarding it, she mentioned:

ICYMI: Employers send mixed messages about what they say they want. Broad skills? technical skills? work experience?

Yes, I’ve thought the same thing before. (In fact, I was thinking about calling this posting, “In search of the pink unicorns.”)