What Employers Value When Hiring Candidates
Students pursuing an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts at William Woods University may ask whether employers fully value critical thinking and communication skills.
Forbes last year highlighted a survey of 200 employers run by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) a Bethlehem, Pa. non-profit group that links college career placement offices with employers. The survey asked hiring managers what skills they prioritize. Their answer: basic teamwork, and above all critical thinking and communication.
In a global market, all business involves communication — whether motivating and informing teams, problem solving, cross-cultural understanding, presentations, negotiations, research, report writing or selling.
A U.S. News story outlining the benefits of a liberal arts education confirmed, “The broad spectrum of learning gleaned from liberal arts classes such as communications skills, problem solving and dealing with people are sought by employers.”
The fully online associate degree program at William Woods University can upgrade your job readiness, whether you’re looking to advance within a large firm in major cities such as St. Louis or Kansas City, or want more options in smaller employment markets like Fulton, Columbia, Jefferson City, Hannibal, Cape Girardeau, or Joplin.
William Woods University students learn to distinguish and analyze concepts, along with constantly being challenged to write and present their research and ideas in a clear, coherent and persuasive manner.
In future posts we’ll look at other liberal arts skills that are in strong demand by employers.