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This article is from Michigan Tech’s newsletter, Tech Today. You’ll find a link to the full article written by Mark Wilcox below.
A recent Gallup poll shows that while the vast majority of Americans feel a college education is important, only a small percentage believe that college graduates are well prepared for success in the workplace. Feedback from employers who hire graduates of Michigan Technological University tells a different story.
The Gallup Poll results were included in the 2014 Gallup-Lumina Foundation Study of the American Public’s Opinion on Higher Education.
Gallup found that 96 percent of those surveyed feel it is “somewhat” or “very” important for American adults to have a degree or certificate beyond high school. But only 13 percent strongly agreed that college prepares students well for success on the job.
The poll’s news gets worse. Gallup found that Americans with college degrees are much less likely than those without college degrees to believe that a college degree prepares people well for workplace success.
“This is effectively a ‘no confidence’ vote in college graduates’ work readiness,” writes Brandon Busteed, Gallup’s executive director, education and workforce development.
But results of surveys conducted by Michigan Tech’s Career Services indicate those who hire, or look to hire, Tech grads have quite the opposite opinion.
Following a recent University Career Fair more than 400 surveys were sent to corporate representatives that attended/registered. Of those who responded, more than 87 percent said Tech students exhibited critical/analytical skills; 73 percent felt they possess written and verbal skills, and nearly 68 percent reported that Michigan Tech students exhibit ethical judgment and decision-making skills.
Asked if students showed they could work well in teams, more than 73 percent of the respondents said “yes,” and nearly 60 percent believed that students would work well with people from different backgrounds.
More than 80 percent say that Tech students are creative and innovative problem solvers who also have the ability to solve and analyze complex problems. And those who’ve hired Tech grads say they continue to impress once they’ve transitioned from the classroom to the workplace.
To read the full article visit, http://www.mtu.edu/news/stories/2015/may/employers-say-michigan-tech-grads-well-prepared-contrary-gallup-poll.html
