Survey finds what employers look for in college graduates - built into new web/mobile app that coaches college students to success

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Aug 07, 2013, 11:05 ET

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- What should students do while in college to make them highly attractive to employers after graduation? The answers were found by Global Grad^® (http://www.globalgrad.com) in a recent national survey of employers. Hiring managers ranked the relative importance of 38 attributes, everything from the ability to speak multiple languages to GPA, listening skills, internship experience and personal references. Among the findings:

Taking personal responsibility for successes and failures is 3.6 times more important than the particular college from which the student graduated;
Setting priorities and managing time effectively is 3.1 times more important than the student's GPA; and
Following directions well is 2.7 times more important than having prior volunteer experience.

The most frequently cited reason students go to college is, "To get a better job." Yet, only 26% of freshman graduate and land a job that requires a college degree. This comes at a time when the average cost of a four-year public college has risen 104% in the last ten years and student debt now exceeds $1 billion dollars.

New Web/Mobile App

The employer survey results form the basis of a new web/mobile application from Global Grad. Running on any smartphone, tablet or computer, this app motivates and teaches students what to do in each semester of college to save money, graduate on schedule and land a good job after graduation. (Watch a video: http://www.globalgrad.com/see-it-in-action/)

"Global Grad tells students specifically what they can do throughout college to improve their odds of graduating on schedule and landing a good job after graduation; and students love knowing exactly where they stand relative to the competition for jobs and grad schools," noted G.T. LaBorde, chief executive officer. (See student testimonials: http://www.globalgrad.com/testimonials/)

Free Trial and Money-Back "Get a Job" Guarantee

The application costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year. There is a free 7-day trial. There is also a "Get a Job Guarantee" – if a student actively uses Global Grad for a year or more and is not able to land a full-time job after graduation, Global Grad will refund 100% of the subscription fees.

About Global Grad:

Global Grad offers a web/mobile application that guides students to college and career success. It covers many topics, including getting acclimated freshman year, student loans, how to study, choosing a major, effective time management and goal setting, college retention, using extracurriculars to build leadership and teamwork skills, getting internships and landing a good job after graduation. The application is available to college students and parents, and also can be licensed by colleges to improve student retention and student success. Global Grad is based in Birmingham, Alabama.

On the Web: www.globalgrad.com
Twitter: twitter.com/globalgrad
Facebook: facebook.com/globalgrad

SOURCE Global Grad, LLC