How Can Academic Success Translate to Workforce Success?
According to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2012 Survey, below are the top 5 qualities/skills that employers currently seek:
- Ability to work in a team
- Verbal communication skills
- Ability to make decisions and problem solve
- Ability to obtain and process information
- Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work
Often, these desirable skills are overlooked by students in online degree programs preparing for employment after graduation.
What students don’t realize is that many of these skills are obtained and learned as they move in, through, and out of college.
Similarly, the tasks, requirements, extracurricular activity and overall rigors of going to college play a significant role for developing a “hidden” skill-set that employers seek.
A similar 2008 study published by the National Academic Advising Association compared academic and workforce success factors.
The table below illustrates how students' academic experiences can effectively translate to the workplace. The corresponding skill from the academic setting to the workforce setting is listed on the same line. Keep these correlations in mind in resumes and cover letters when looking for a job after college:
| Academic Success Factors |
Workforce Success Factors |
| Academic discipline |
Work ethic |
| Goal striving |
Motivation/initiative |
| Commitment to college |
Organizational commitment |
| Social activity |
Interpersonal skills |
| Social connection |
Adaptability |
| Academic self-efficacy |
Self-confidence |
| General determination |
Integrity/dependability |
| Study skills |
Job-related skills |
| Communication skills |
Communication skills |
| Emotional control |
Well-mannered/polite |
College students today must understand the link between their academic performances and future employment opportunities.
My advice: Don’t take for granted the next time a professor asks you to re-do a paper or edit verbiage. Get more involved in your campus events, such as tutoring and mentoring programs. In the long-term, you’ll appreciate all of your hard work, and so will your future employer!
Photo credit: stock.xchng
About the author: Michael Bermudez joined Grantham University in May 2011 and is the Career Services Coordinator in the Grantham University Career Center. Michael facilitates academic and career advising within the United States Air Force Reserves. Prior to joining Grantham University, Michael served as an E-5 in the United States Air Force.
