Employers give high ratings to DSU graduates

According to the 2002 DSU Employer Survey, 96 percent of the employers rated DSU graduates very high in their ability to use computer software. DSU graduates also required less training than other employees, particularly in computer skills and interpersonal skills. Over 75 percent of the employers indicated that the graduates required “less than usual” or “significantly less than usual” training in computer skills.

The DSU Employer Survey has been used since 1993 to survey employers of the previous year’s graduates. The employers rate the DSU graduates in three areas: computer skills, communication/socialization skills and job-related skills. For the first time this year, the employer survey was available on the web and the majority of the employers completed the survey online.

Employers used a five-point rating scale (5=very good to 1=very poor) to indicate the DSU graduates’ abilities. The top five survey items, with an average rating of 4.3 or higher, were:

· Ability to use information ethically

· Ability to learn on the job

· Ability to adapt to changes in the computing environment

· Ability to use computer software

· Knowledge of academic area as it relates to his/her position

“For the past five years, DSU graduates have consistently been rated very high by employers in their ability to learn on the job and their ability adapt to changes in the computing environment,” Carrie Ahern, DSU Assessment Specialist said. “The faculty stress these skills throughout the curriculum and it really helps our graduates be successful in the marketplace.”

At Dakota State University, this information will be used as a method of evaluating the curriculum to ensure that it meets employers’ needs. In addition to answering specific skills-related questions, the employers provide feedback on essential job-related skills and training that is required in their field.

“The employer information is an essential part of the assessment program at DSU,” added Ahern. “Faculty and administrators carefully monitor DSU’s programs to ensure that students learn the skills and knowledge that will be required on the job.”