Graduate attributes: a baseline study on South African graduates from the perspective of employers

This study aimed to examine the expectations of employers with respect to the graduates they employed and to evaluate their perceptions of the quality of graduates produced by South Africa's higher education institutions. It was hoped that the study would provide information for debate and engagement with industry, and serve as a baseline for future reviews. The study was based on the assumptions that the attributes developed by higher education may be out of step with the needs and expectations of employers and that 'skills' may need to be redefined to match higher education with new and changing forms of labour and the application of knowledge. A questionnaire was produced for employers focusing on the attributes that employers consider important and expect graduates should possess upon entering the workforce and the degree to which graduates in South Africa demonstrate these skills. Statistics are provided to illustrate the results. It was found that there is a real need to address the gaps between employers' expectations and higher education outcomes, but that employers did value some of the attributes currently produced by higher education. The role of higher education cannot be treated in isolation and must take its place in producing thinking, responsive and intellectually well-grounded individuals who are flexible and can readily adapt to new demands and challenges in a changing work environment.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less