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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