A student gets assistance from a staff member of
Kent State's Career Services Center.

A recent survey conducted by Kent State’s Career Services Center has found that Ohio employers rate Kent State graduates high in critical workplace skills. Employers surveyed cut across a variety of industries and had actively recruited Kent State students through the Career Services Center in the past three years.

The study sought to gain feedback from the employers about how well-prepared Kent State graduates are for the positions they fill and how our graduates perform compared to graduates from other Ohio colleges and universities. The employers who responded overwhelmingly agreed that Kent State graduates are making valuable contributions to their organizations and are well-prepared to meet the needs of the positions they fill.

“The results of this study continue to validate the excellent education students receive at Kent State and how well-prepared they are for the world of work,” says Ann Motayar, director, Kent State Career Services Center. “It is especially meaningful to have this confirmation from our constituents who rely on the success of a talented workforce and seek specifically to recruit Kent State candidates.”

Ninety-eight percent of employers surveyed rated Kent State candidates as “better than or same as” candidates from other Ohio colleges and universities on critical skill areas that include working cooperatively (groups/teams), work ethic (integrity, dependability, diligence), job skills (specific to the position), respect for diversity, and flexibility/adaptability.

Below are sample comments from employers surveyed:

“We have hired KSU graduates into entry-level positions, and they have progressed upwards as our organization has grown.” – Recruiter, local medical supply company

“The two KSU graduates we have working here perform at an exceptionally high level.” – Recruiter, one of the nation’s premier retailers

“I love that most of the KSU interns we have are here because they want the experience, not because it is a required class.” – Recruiter, Northeast Ohio pro sports team

“Kent State and the State of Ohio can be very proud of the many Kent State graduates who are building careers in Ohio and contributing to the success of many organizations,” Motayar says. She believes faculty and staff can use the results of the study to understand the skill areas that graduates are succeeding in and those that need improvement.

Click here to view the survey results. For more information about the study, contact Motayar at amotayar@kent.edu or 330-672-2360.