The Most Desired Attributes Of A Business Graduate

The Most Desired Attributes of a Business Graduate. In the modern business world, new graduates are interviewed based on impressive resumés. The “on paper” qualities are important, but the attributes that a candidate possesses are of more interest to firms in today’s competitive world. These “soft-skills” will predetermine how one’s career progresses. In today’s fast-paced world, communication skills are increasingly important. From technological collaborations to personal exchanges, interpersonal skills of business graduates are of primary importance (Leung, 2016). Despite this, a survey conducted in 2016 revealed over 60% of employers found graduates not demonstrating sufficient skills in this area (Leung, 2016).

In conjunction with interpersonal skills, the emotional intelligence (Deeter-Gallaher, 2016) of job candidates is extremely relevant. How one conducts oneself and perceives those surrounding them has a huge impact on how successful one is in the workplace. In fact, some research states that emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of your job performance (naturalhr, 2017).

In any business profession, teamwork plays a massive role, and both interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in professionals influence how successful they are in collaborating with colleagues. The emphasis placed on “interdependence” over “independence” (Jensen, 2002) by many corporate employers highlights how the practise of association in newly qualified graduates is highly sought-after in the competitive market of employment today. Leadership skills are also particularly valued in commerce graduates, as they reflect a promising work ethic, clear motivation and independent initiative. Employers value the ability to guide others, from university through to the workplace.

However, the importance of emotional intelligence in relation to leadership is more prevalent now than ever, where teams as opposed to individuals are the primary work unit (Tucker et al, 2010). Certain attributes associated with leadership such as a broad prospective, open-mindedness to new ideas and willingness to learn are essential for all professionals in the business industry. Diversity of thought, diversity of experience, and an eagerness to adapt are all highly valued elements (Deeter-Gallaher, 2017). The only constant in business today is change, and as a result flexibility is indispensable for commerce graduates. As countless applicants are interviewed for positions in firms worldwide, employers seek candidates who stand out. The personal brand expressed by each candidate contributes massively to whether they are pursued or not. From online profiles projecting one’s personality to one’s peers, to an accurate reflection of one’s intelligence, aspirations and character, companies seek those who are sure of who they truly are (Deeter-Gallaher, 2017).

First impressions matter, one’s reputation and one’s personal brand can either help or hinder progress in the professional world. Possession of any these attributes will not guarantee success. Recognition, application and constant striving to better one’s professional self, will aid in promoting one’s career. Attending to one’s personal brand, maintaining a solid work ethic, improving emotional intelligence, communication and interpersonal skills are all of high value. Knowing your own personal value is of upmost importance, in one’s professional life. One is not hired because of a degree, but rather because of what can be achieved with it – opportunities are endless and that is where the true value of each graduate lies. “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value” – Albert Einstein. In the authors opinion, the combination of all these features represent the most desired traits of business graduates today.