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    Insights from Hiring Managers on Entry Level Preparedness

    Survey Highlights

    In partnership withCollege Board Logo

    Hiring managers emphasize the importance of soft skills like critical thinking and communication, value financial literacy, and highlight internships, trade schools, and AP business courses as key pathways for developing early-career skills.

    They view graduates from trade schools, technical colleges, and four-year institutions with industry-recognized credentials as well-prepared for the workforce, while high school graduates are seen as less ready.

    • New grads from technical and 4-year colleges are viewed as prepared.
    • Solid soft skills prompt hiring.
    • High school grads viewed as less ready for work.
    • Few say it’s easy to find the right, experienced candidates.
    • Internships, trade schools key to developing skills.
    • Almost all say a high school-level AP course on business could be beneficial.
    • Financial literacy is a sought-after skill.