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Career Research

 What Employers Want

Though it is true employers appreciate graduates with knowledge and experience in their field, research has proven year after year what employers want most in their entry-level employees are excellent communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and technical skills. So, don't count yourself out of a particular field, occupation, job or internship just because you have an "unrelated" major. Employers pursue graduates who will be the best fit for their organization and you just might be the person they are looking for.

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Top Ten Skills Most Wanted by Employers

  • Effective communication skills
  • Strong work ethic
  • Teamwork skills (works well with others)
  • Initiative
  • Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Flexiblity/adaptability
  • Computer skills
  • Technical skills

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Occupational Information

  • MN Career Information
    This site provides useful information to help you make a career decision, use job trend information, cost of living in Minnesota, and much more.
  • Minnesota Occupational Information
  • O*NET
    A comprehensive Occupational Information Network of worker attributes and job characteristics
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook
    The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives.

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Industrial Information Resources

  • Career Guide to Industries
    The Career Guide to Industries is a companion to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides information on careers from an occupational perspective.
  • Industrial Classifications
    A joint project of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, NAICS identifies hundreds of new, emerging, and advanced technology industries.

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Salary Information Resources

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Other Resources

  • InsideJobs:
  • 15,000 job descriptions with videos and work environment information
  • CollegeGrad
    Lots of tips and links to provide thorough information, focused on entry-level positions
  • Payscale:
    Use this site to evaluate offers based on detailed criteria
  • NWC Library Databases
    Use of these databases requires authentication through on campus access or via theROCK.
    • Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center
    • Hoover’s Business and Industry Research

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