When recruiting new graduates, looking for people with specific college experience is critical to ensuring they can quickly adapt and contribute to our organization. Here are three kinds of college experiences I hope to find in new graduates that not only demonstrate their personal growth, but also bode well for their potential as future team members.
Interdisciplinary project or research experience:
In a rapidly evolving workplace environment, interdisciplinary competence has become a key skill. I expect new graduates to demonstrate involvement in interdisciplinary projects or research. Such experiences demonstrate their ability to think outside the traditional framework and to integrate knowledge and skills from different fields to solve complex problems. For example, a computer science major who has worked on interdisciplinary projects in medical informatics will demonstrate the ability to apply technology to non-traditional fields and the flexibility to adapt to different disciplinary cultures.
Leadership and Teamwork Projects:
Effective leadership and teamwork are the cornerstones of any organization’s success. I expect new graduates to demonstrate these abilities in their college experience, such as chairing student organizations, leading team projects, or volunteering. These experiences not only demonstrate how they motivate and coordinate team members, but also reflect their decision-making skills and responsibility in the face of challenges. In addition, by participating in these activities, new graduates learn to listen to others, manage conflict, and build and maintain positive working relationships.
Internship or career-oriented practical experience:
The bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application is internship and career-oriented practical experience. I expect new graduates to demonstrate internship experience relevant to their future career goals on their resume. These experiences not only give them an initial understanding of the workplace environment, but also develop their professional skills, communication skills and problem-solving abilities. For example, an engineering student doing a technology internship at a well-known technology company will have the opportunity to be exposed to the latest technology trends, learn about project management processes, and possibly get involved in solving real engineering problems. Such experience will greatly enhance their professional quality and employment competitiveness.