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Employer Perceptions on Higher Education's Role in Ready Graduates for the Workforce

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The College-educated Graduate as the Career-ready Professional: Employer Perceptions on Higher Education's Impact in Preparing for the Workforce

This report synthesizes findings from a comprehensive national survey conducted by Morning Consult in May 2023 on employer perspectives regarding higher education and its efficacy in equipping students with essential workplace competencies. This is the eighth collaborative study between American Association of Colleges and Universities AACU and Morning Consult since 2006.

The research underscores a consistent alignment between the outcomes cultivated through liberal education and the capabilities employers perceive as fundamental for success in entry-level jobs and career progression within their organizations. Below are key insights derived from four focal areas that were explored during this survey:

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Confidence in Higher Education:

Despite ongoing public sentiment suggesting waning trust in major societal institutions, including higher education, employer confidence remns robust. Eight out of ten employers affirm a strong belief that obtning a college degree is worthwhile and contributes to workforce readiness, albeit acknowledging concerns about time and financial investment. The survey also highlights significant orsement for the broad knowledge base and skill sets typically associated with liberal education, as well as the cultivation of mindsets and dispositions during academic pursuits.

Workforce Readiness of Recent Graduates:

Most employers 80 concur that recent college graduates are effectively prepared overall to excel in entry-level positions and advance thereafter. However, there is a notable discrepancy between employer perceptions regarding skill importance and students' perceived readiness for these areas. For instance, while oral communication skills are deemed crucial by most employers 64 consider it very important, only approximately half agree that recent college graduates are exceptionally well-equipped with this ability.

Microcredentials:

The survey reveals strong support from employers for microcredentials as a form of professional development. About two-thirds 68 of employers would prefer to hire a new graduate who also holds a microcredential, compared to the same number who might opt for a high school graduate equipped with one or those favoring no additional certification for a college graduate.

Government Restrictions on Higher Education:

Employers' views are explored regarding so-called divisive concept laws and other governmental interventions into academic curricula. Almost nine out of ten employers acknowledge that exposure to diverse ideas and viewpoints contributes significantly to workforce readiness, with an equal number asserting all topics should be open for discussion in educational settings. Although employers display near-even opinions on whether the government should have a role in curriculum decisions, three-quarters are more favorable towards institutions that operate without such governmental constrnts. However, employer views differ significantly based on age, position, and political affiliations.

Employers under 40 years of age 61 are twice as likely as those aged 50 or older 28 to agree with government intervention in college education matters. Similarly, executives 63 are more prone than hiring managers 46 to orse such involvement. Moreover, Democrats outnumber Republicans and Indepents by a ratio of 61 to 41 and 28, respectively, when it comes to agreeing that the government should play a role in determining what is taught.

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College Educations Workforce Readiness Impact Employer Perspectives on Liberal Education Skills Microcredentials in Hiring Preferences Government Role in Academic Curriculum Debate Workforce Preparedness of Recent Graduates Confidence in Higher Educations Value