SPARTANS WILL.
February 9, 2012
Spartan graduates on the radar of international employers
Michigan State University graduates have earned a
well-deserved reputation as top employee
prospects, both nationally and internationally.
"We hear often that recruiters consider our grads
'work ready," says Kelley Bishop, assistant vice
president for strategic initiatives in the Division of
Student Affairs, noting that more than half of all MSU
students complete internships before graduation.
For example, Bishop reports, MSU Career Services
Network (CSN) advisory board members attending
CSN's fall 2011 Employer Partnership Program
described MSU graduates as "very well prepared,"
"enthusiastic," "determined," and "sharp," with
"exceptional interpersonal skills." The advisory board
is composed of representatives from 12 to 20 leading
state and national companies.
These kinds of informal assessments are supported
by surveys such as one reported in the New York
Times last fall that ranked MSU 39th among 150
universities around the world that are most often
cited as a top recruiting source—the highest ranking
among public universities in the Big Ten.
"The study is meant to give 'universities, recruiters,
education excellence are "lightening rod" programs
tested blueprint of where it's best to study in order
that draw attention to MSU.
to get a job,' Emerging said as it released its findings,"
MSU ranks 39th among
according to the New York Times article.
150 universities around the
That MSU is on the radar of international employers
world most often cited as
MSU Collegiate Employment Research Institute and
top recruiting sources--
the highest ranking among
public universities
in the Big Ten.
Emerging, a French consulting firm, in collaboration
with Trendence, a German consulting firm, surveyed
hundreds of executives from leading companies in
Belgium, Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the
Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.
Bolstering the university's overall research and
and students the most valuable of tools: a road-
comes as no surprise to Phil Gardner, director of the
author of MSU's annual Recruiting Trends survey.
"MSU has a longstanding tradition of international
"We have some programs that are unique enough
and have stature that provide a focal point that
attract employers," Gardner says. "We get a spin-off
from them."
According to U.S. News & World Report rankings, MSU
has the nation-leading graduate programs in nuclear
physics, industrial and organizational psychology,
engagement," Gardner notes. "We have visibility and
and elementary and secondary education and the
a solid reputation, both in research and education."
country's top undergraduate program in supply
For example, nearly 1,500 MSU faculty members are
chain management.
involved in international research, teaching, and
MSU's Career Services Network hosts a dozen major
service work around the globe, and the university
career events and coordinates some 15,000 on-
has more than 250 active linkage agreements with
campus interviews annually. In addition to attracting
international organizations in more than 60 countries.
potential employers, the university helps graduates
What's more, MSU is one of only five public
put their best international foot forward.
universities in the nation that rank in the top 10 for
both international student enrollment and study
abroad participation.
MSU provides opportunities for students to be
globally engaged through study abroad and
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