Dive Brief:
- College graduation season is just around the corner – and the future looks bright. A new survey from CareerBuilder reveals that 67% of employers are planning to hire recent grads this year, the "highest outlook" since 2007.
- The number is up from 65% last year. Additionally, 37% will offer higher pay than last year and 28% will pay their new grads $50,000 or more.
- However, 24% of employers feel academic institutions aren't preparing students for the reality of their workforces. Many say that schools don't focus enough on real-world learning (47%) and don't encourage a good blend of technical and liberal arts skills (39%).
Dive Insight:
Looks like both companies and college grads are feeling optimistic this year, as 75% of Gen Z and millennial college students expect to find a job within four to five months of graduation, according to Adecco Staffing USA. National unemployment is at an eight-year low, meaning job potential – and competition for the best talent – is high.
However, new grads' lack of soft skills concerns employers, as 52% said that new grad hires lack interpersonal skills and 48% said they lack problem-solving skills, according to CareerBuilder. Leadership, teamwork, both written and oral communication as well as creative thinking made the list of concerns as well.
But don't overlook them. Millennials and the newly entering Gen Z tend to be "highly connected" and tech-savvy, a must for employers who are struggling to find tech leadership in particular.