Data from the 2023 NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) survey of UM students showed: 

• 90% of UM students feel comfortable seeking career advice from their professor, as compared to 86% nationally.This underscores the importance of faculty being prepared to offer career advice/direction for their students.  

When asked “What Best Represent Value?”,  UM students responded (2022):  

Furthermore, research shows there are multiplier effects for marginalized students who engage in career readiness programs that provide them with a greater career boost.  

• With 26% of UM students identifying as a first generation student, career readiness integration is a equity imperative.  

Nationwide survey results from the Strada Education Network’s Student Survery underscores the crucial role of career readiness curricular integration for alumni success. While graduates consistently value their experiences with faculty and courses, the connection between education and career is often less evident.  

Recognizing that career-focused goals impact enrollment decisions, shape confidence in education's value, and significantly influence graduates' assessment of their college experience, facilitating these connections is paramount. (Strada. (2022). Four key practices for improving alumni outcomes, Strada Education Network. https://stradaeducation.org/).  

According to the UM’s 2022 First Destinations Survey: 

• 42% of UM graduates believe they were well prepared for their careers. 
• 36% report current satisfaction with their careers. 

Helping students bridge the gap between higher education and career success is essential for shaping their opportunities and outcomes throughout their lifetime. 

In 2014, NACE surveyed 606 representatives that hire through a university relations and recruiting effort. Nearly 20 industries were represented with 21.5% being in professional services (includes accounting, engineering, law, computers, and advertising); 13% in education; 11.9% organizations classified as "other manufacturing"; and 8% government organizations. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which they view the below seven competencies as essential to new college hire success when considering recent college graduate candidates for their workplaces. 
 
Overall, "professional/work ethic" topped the list, with nearly all respondents identifying this competency as either "absolutely essential" or "essential." Four of the seven competencies were identified as such by 90 percent or more respondents.