On September 25th 2024, the article “What employers really value in students who study abroad”, authored by Melanie Siegfried, Kellie McMullin, and Nannette Ripmeester, was published on the University World News website.

“In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, preparing young minds for the global job market is paramount.”

A new report, Closing the Employer Gap on Global Skills Gained Through Mobility, based on research funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada, and Nova Scotia Community College, tries to look into this issue. Through engaging with employers spanning various industries across the country, the research highlights the top skills that employers crave in recent graduates and how these align with the skills cultivated through international mobility. The top five skills identified were: communication; adaptability; problem-solving; teamwork; and time- and self-management.

Employers emphasised that while international experiences are indeed beneficial, they are not a golden ticket to employment. The key lies in a graduate’s ability to effectively articulate how these experiences have sharpened their skills. Keen to know what this means? Read the full article here.