Want a Job? Practical Training, Preparation Required Beyond the Classroom

LISLE, Ill., March 8, 2012 - Competition for jobs in America is at an all-time high. Not only do most companies require a college degree, but more business leaders are wary of college graduates with no work experience.

Only 16 percent of employers believe that college graduates are very prepared for the workplace, according to a study recently released by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
According to the survey, 54 percent of employers say finding skilled and knowledgeable employees is difficult, and almost half prefer that college students receive an education that specifically prepares them for the workplace.

Employers want more accountability from higher education institutions so they educate students with more practical learning applications that can be transferred and lead to success within the workplace.
Benedictine University, based in Lisle, Ill., just outside of Chicago, incorporates a required internship or post-classroom training component within many of its degree majors.

Coupled with a challenging education that emphasizes hands-on experience, faculty and students believe alumni have a competitive advantage after graduation. To meet employer expectations, students must become engaged in the classroom, participate in service learning (working with outside organizations on professional projects), earn internships and participate with employment outreach, according to Rick Cali, associate dean of Benedictine's College of Business.

"Participation in University clubs for leadership development and taking advantage of study abroad opportunities also are experiences that bring value to the student experience," Cali said.

Benedictine has 12 graduate programs and at least 16 undergraduate programs with internship or practical work components. Benedictine impresses upon its faculty the need to reflect Benedictine traditions within their teaching philosophy. Faculty strive to develop a personal relationship with each student and go the extra mile to not only ensure learning is achieved but also that the student is developing holistically.

The University implements a values-based education philosophy within its core curriculum, and strives to challenge students in academia while providing individualized care, which is not found at most colleges with student-teacher ratios higher than the University's ratio of 18:1. Requiring or assisting students with gaining practical experience better prepares students for the workplace.