At the Goizueta Business School we offer a 3 week business boot camp for non-business majors here. The idea goes that there are a few dozen core business concepts that any graduate should know (e.g., Assets = Liabilities + Equity). In the spirit of putting together a rigorous, and practical program, I reached out to a dozen recruiters, and hiring managers. We asked them a series of questions on what college graduates should know. (Hat tip: LL, AN, DG, HSK, CM). Quotes in blue
1-3 Basic understanding of broad business skills
Basic understanding of financials (roi, IRR, NPV), financial statements (b/s, I/s, scf), organization structures (e.g., functions, matrices, central/decentral, span), business models vs. operating models
MS Excel skill – this is the most required productivity skill for juniors that many new graduates do not command regardless of major.
Important that they demonstrate their quantitative abilities (specifically for those with Liberal Arts backgrounds)
Understanding business model: how does the company make money, make a profit or find opportunities to generating new business
4-8 Seeing the “bigger picture”, being able to tell the story
Focus on critical problem solving skills, and “telegraphing” their thinking.
Tying what they do (from a technical perspective) back to the business and how it helps the company be successful (make money, etc.)
Storytelling, polished communication at a summary level
See things from a holistic perspective and dissect problems from a root-cause standpoint.
Communication skills that will allow them to interact with senior and executive-level management teams. Ability to multi-task without frustration. Ability to communicate with impact in every from: verbal, written and especially presentation skills.
9-11 Developing great business relationships
Learn to network early and often – not just reach out to people when you need something from them. Build some “credits” in to your network account – you will need them later. And when you meet with someone, really listen and learn from them.
Find a (formal or informal) mentor or champion that can support your growth and shepherd your development/visibility in the company.
Grit, relational skills, self awareness, and humility. These are the building blocks upon which early careers are built.
Volunteering for lateral projects that expose them to other business groups and demonstrate their willingness to learn and understand new skills/new businesses
12-14 Being wise and helpful, well beyond your years
Own your career and your growth – your company may support in various ways (training, new job opportunities, etc.) but no one else is responsible for your career than you.
Network, raise your hand for projects when others won’t, and, above all, deliver where you are now.
Don’t be so focused on what’s next that you forget to deliver now – otherwise, “next” may never come.
Three things: 1) Intellectual curiosity beyond their competency or domain of expertise; 2) “Stick to it”-ness; finishing the job 3) Learner’s attitude/intellectual humility
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