We have asked this question in many different ways over the past several years, and the answers seldom vary. Employers, today, are not simply content with listing requirements. They want to see a candidate that possesses all the necessary skills and competencies to be successful in their work environments. Building the Package All the skills and competencies that go into the package are not gained by attending classes. Employers expect students to engage in a variety of co-curricular activities to gain the experiences necessary to make the successful transition into the workplace.
Employers have a preference on what they expect students to engage.
Topping the list is practical work experience gained through co-op, internships, and summer employment that has career focus. Those experiences introduce students to the practicalities of the workplace and tests their learning against real problems. Some companies have limited their hiring to those students who have participated in co-op or internships. Employers are exploring with candidates their involvement in student organizations, community service, and other activities. For many companies, especially small firms and very large organizations, community and civil involvement beyond the workplace is important to their companies' bottom line and public image.