The difference between how important employers considered skills such as written and oral communication and how prepared UNR graduates were in the skills was compelling. Listening and problem solving skills could also be improved, as well as knowing how to learn and responsibility and self-management. Written and oral communication skills are directly applicable to the classroom settings and, perhaps, should be emphasized more in the future. Skills such as listening, problem solving, knowing how to learn, and responsibility and self management are only indirectly applicable to college curriculum; however, because we seem to be inadequately preparing the student in these skills, perhaps they should play a larger roll in the future classroom.

Below are several charts that summarize the differences between employer-rated importance and employer-rated actual preparedness for some of these skills.

Overall, UNR seems to be doing a good job in preparing its graduates in fundamental skills such as reading, math, and computer literacy, some of the fundamental skills that universities should be teaching. Additionally, employers are satisfied with the preparedness of UNR graduates in self-esteem, sociability, integrity and honesty, and functioning in a multicultural environment.

It appears that past work experience and internships are very important to employers when they are considering who to hire (back to table). Along the same lines, employers are very interested in more experienced-based learning and consider that incorporation of experienced-based learning into the classroom would greatly improve recruiting relations with UNR. They also requested that UNR make more of an effort to reach out to them to explain what is available on campus in the way of programs, graduates, and job placement.

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1994 and 1996 Employer Surveys

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