Data, Trends and Transitions
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), "beyond a relevant major for the position and a strong GPA, problem-solving skills and the ability to work as part of a team are the attributes employers most want to see on resumes." Other skills they are looking for this year include:
- a strong work ethic
- analytical/quantitative skills
- written and oral communication skills
- leadership
How are you gaining these skills? Through student organizations, class projects, or an internship? Consider joining the Talent Gateway as a way to reflect on the skills you are developing and how they are transferable to any workplace.
Post Graduation Annual Survey
Career Services distributes post-graduation surveys to undergraduates to obtain a clearer understanding of UM-Dearborn students' career goals and achievements following graduation. The most recent data is from 2022-23; we are still surveying 2023-24 graduates. For more information, visit our 2022-23 post-graduation survey results page.
Post-graduation information is collected through the following sources:
- Email-based surveys sent to UM-Dearborn graduates 6-months after each commencement ceremony (Fall, Winter, Spring)
- LinkedIn, social media, and Internet searches
- Employers, UM-Dearborn faculty, and staff updates
Survey Response Rates
The rate of response of our post-graduation ("first destination") surveys directly correlated with employment percentages. During the years 2008-2011, when the percentage of students that reported employment was at its lowest, our response rates were also low. In the years of highest employment, 2013-2017, our response rates were also high. Generally speaking, our survey response rate has been 40% or higher since 2015. For students who did not respond to the survey, we use the alternative methods listed above, such as LinkedIn.