The College Degree and Beyond: What Employers Are Really Looking For

In the past, a college degree was often a guaranteed ticket to career success. But in today’s evolving job market, simply having a degree may no longer be enough to stand out. Employers are increasingly looking for a mix of education, skills, and real-world experience to determine whether a candidate is truly prepared for the job. This shift is partly due to the rapid pace of technological advancement, evolving industry standards, and a greater emphasis on adaptability.

If you're a recent graduate or preparing for the workforce, it’s essential to understand how you can complement your degree with other qualities to meet these heightened expectations.

1. A Degree is Still Valuable—But It’s Just the Start

While some question the value of a college degree in today’s job market, it remains a valuable asset. A degree demonstrates commitment, foundational knowledge, and the ability to follow through on long-term goals. However, more than 70% of hiring managers report that they also weigh hands-on experience and specific skills alongside academic achievements. Employers seek a well-rounded candidate who can not only grasp concepts but also apply them.

2. Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever

One of the most significant shifts in hiring trends is the emphasis on soft skills—qualities that are difficult to teach but vital to success in nearly any role. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends Report, 92% of hiring managersbelieve that soft skills are as important or more important than technical skills. These include:

• Communication: Effective communication, both written and verbal, is essential, especially in collaborative and client-facing roles.

• Adaptability: Today’s workforce is marked by change, so the ability to pivot quickly and handle unexpected challenges is invaluable.

• Problem-solving: The ability to approach challenges thoughtfully and find solutions is a quality employers prize.

• Teamwork: Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills are highly valued, especially in team-oriented work environments.

By emphasizing these skills, you can demonstrate to employers that you’re ready to contribute to their culture and be adaptable in your approach.

3. Technical Skills and Certifications Provide an Edge

While a degree shows you have a solid educational foundation, industry-specific certifications and technical skills can make a big difference. Fields like technology, finance, and healthcare place high value on certifications that show up-to-date, specialized knowledge. For example:

• Data analysis, project management, coding languages, and cloud computing are in-demand technical skills that boost employability.

• Certifications in agile project management, Google Analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing can give candidates an advantage by showing that they’re trained in industry best practices.

Pursuing certifications or additional coursework signals to employers that you’re serious about your field and willing to go the extra mile to improve your qualifications.

4. Practical Experience Through Internships or Work Experience

A degree provides theoretical knowledge, but employers want to see that candidates can apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. According to a recent survey, 75% of employers said they prioritize candidates who’ve held internships or job experience relevant to the role they’re applying for. Internships, apprenticeships, and volunteer work show that you’re familiar with professional environments and ready to hit the ground running.

If you’re still in school, look for opportunities to complete internships, part-time roles, or project-based work that aligns with your career goals. If you’re already a graduate, freelancing, volunteering, or working in a relevant entry-level role can also provide valuable experience.

5. Digital Literacy and Technology Savviness

Digital literacy has become critical across nearly every industry. With companies relying more on technology for communication, data management, and workflow automation, being tech-savvy is now a requirement rather than a plus. Familiarity with workplace tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, CRM software, and project management tools like Trello or Asana shows that you’re ready to jump into a digital workspace.

Even if your field isn’t tech-focused, showcasing familiarity with these tools can be beneficial. If you aren’t already comfortable with these platforms, consider enrolling in online courses or workshops that offer training.

6. A Growth Mindset and Willingness to Learn

Perhaps more important than any specific skill or degree is the mindset that you bring to your career. In a rapidly changing job market, employers value candidates who are curious, motivated, and ready to continuously learn. A “growth mindset” reflects a person’s belief that they can always improve, learn new skills, and adapt to changing circumstances.

This willingness to learn is especially attractive to employers in fields that change quickly, such as technology, finance, and digital marketing. By showing that you’re eager to grow and adapt, you signal that you’re prepared for the evolving demands of your industry.

Final Thoughts: Building Beyond the Degree

While a college degree remains an important milestone, it’s only part of what employers look for today. To stand out in a competitive job market, graduates should focus on developing well-rounded skill sets, gaining practical experience, staying current with industry trends, and network . Soft skills, certifications, digital literacy, and a proactive approach to learning can set you apart and help you build a fulfilling career that grows with you.

Employers today are searching for more than just academic achievement; they want candidates who bring a balanced mix of knowledge, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. By supplementing your degree with these additional qualities, you’ll be well-prepared to meet and exceed employer expectations.