Hart Research Associates interviewed 302 employers who reported that 25% or more of their new hires held either an associates degree from a two-year college or a bachelor's degree from a four-year college. The employers "see a positive benefit in educational innovations that foster active learning and research skills."
The percentages below indicate how many identified that a particular educational practice would "help a lot/fair amount to prepare college students for success."
84% Expect students to complete a significant project before graduation that demonstrates their depth of knowledge in their major AND their acquisition of analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
81% Expect students to complete an internship or community-based field project to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences
81% Ensure that students develop the skills to research questions in their field and develop evidence-based analyses
73% Expect students to work through ethical issues and debates to form their own judgments about the issues at stake
65% Expect students to acquire hands-on or direct experience with the methods
of science so they will understand how scientific judgments are reached
60% Expect students to learn about cultural and ethnic diversity in the context of
the United States
58% Expect students to learn about the point of view of societies other than those
of Western Europe or North America
50% Expect students to take courses that explore big challenges facing society, such as environmental sustainability, public health, or human rights
The survey among employers was conducted for The Association Of American Colleges And Universities
I am just back from co-presenting a session, Keeping Parents in the Picture, at the American College Personnel Association's National Conference in Baltimore. The organization has around 8,500 members including graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in student affairs/higher education administration programs, faculty, and student affairs professionals, from entry level to senior student affairs officers. Cory Booker, the Mayor of Newark, NJ was the main presenter on the opening evening and he said something that I think is worth conveying to our sons and daughters. 
