Tracing Skills and Personal Attributes: Employers’ Demands from the Communications Graduates

Mary Ann Pescante-Malimas 1 *
More Detail
1 University of San Carlos, Philippines
* Corresponding Author
Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp. 162-178. https://doi.org/10.29333/ojcmt/2616
OPEN ACCESS   1675 Views   2235 Downloads   Published online: 10 Oct 2017
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

This study identifies the employers’ requirements on the skills and personal attributes of the Communication graduates by analyzing the job advertisements in SunStar Daily newspaper, Sunday issues from January 2011 to June 2015 using content analysis. Results show that varied positions with no required experience and with experience are available. Several companies ranging from schools, publishing companies, hotels, car stores, and industrial companies are the prospective employers of these graduates. Moreover, the general communication skills, computer skills, organizational and planning skills, customer service skills, and team skills emerged to be very significant in the industries. Likewise, personal attributes such as individuals who are self-motivated, creative, flexible, and responsible are highly specified. Thus, the results of this study can be used as basis for curriculum evaluation and creation of training needs, and as well as craft a better understanding and compatibility between the industries and the universities producing Communication graduates.
Keywords: Communication/Mass Communication graduates, skills, personal attributes, job titles, job ads

CITATION

Pescante-Malimas, M. A. (2017). Tracing Skills and Personal Attributes: Employers’ Demands from the Communications Graduates. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 7(4), 162-178. https://doi.org/10.29333/ojcmt/2616

REFERENCES

  • Arcodia, C., & Barker, T. (2003). The employability prospects of graduates in event management:Using data from job advertisements. School of Tourism & Leisure Management The University of Queensland
  • Barnes, H. (May 13, 2014). How to use newspaper classified ads and newspaper help wanted ads to look for jobs. Retrieved April 18, 2015 at http://www.hb.org/how-to-use-newspaper-classified-ads-and-newspaper-help -wanted-ads-to- look- f or-jobs/
  • Baum, T., Deery, M., Hanlon, C., Lockstone, L., & Smith, K. (eds.) (2009). People and work in events and conventions: A research perspective. UK: MPG Books Group.
  • Du, Y., Stein, B., & Martin, R. (2007). Content analysis of an LIS job database: A regional prototype for a collaborative model. Libri, 57, 17-26.
  • Edmund, N. (2005). End the biggest educational and intellectual blunder in history. USA: Scientific Method Publishing Company.
  • Forlaw, B. (2014). Four reasons why customer service skills are as important as STEM. Retrieved August 13, 2015 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blair-forlaw/four-reasons-why-customer_b_4782878.html
  • Giobbe, D. (August 5, 1995). Study: Classified Ads remain most popular source for finding a job. Editor & Publisher, 128.31.
  • Kennan, M. A., Willard, P., Kecmanovic, D., & Wilson, C. (2008). IS knowledge and skills sought by employers: A content analysis of Australian IS early career online job advertisements. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 15, 2.
  • Latzko, L. (2015). The advantages of being computer literate in the workforce. Retrieved August 13, 2015 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-being-computer-literate-workforce-27703.html
  • Lee, J. (2015). Importance of organizational skills in the workplace. Retrieved August 13, 2015 from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/importance-organizational-skills-workplace-4866.h tml
  • Okamoto, K., & Polger, M. (2012). Off to market we go: A content analysis of marketing and promotion skills in academic librarian job ads. Library Leadership & Management (Online), 26(2).
  • Ong, W. (2015). The number 1 thing PH employers want to hear about in a job interview. Retrieved September 15, 2015 from http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/career/89444-job-interviews-highlight-work-experienc e-grades-internships-career.
  • Petrone, P. (2015). No work experience? A big company might be your best bet. Retrieved August 13, 2015 from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/study-experience-apply-big-go-home-paul-petrone
  • Rafaeli, A., & Oliver, A. (Dec 1998). Employment ads: A configurational research Agenda Journal of Management Inquiry,7(4), 342-358.
  • Results that matter: 21st Century skills and high school reform (March 2006). Partnership for 21st Century Skills.
  • Robillos, A. J. (2015). Dilemma: To land first job, get work experience first. Retrieved August 13, 2015 from http://cnnphilippines.com/business/2015/03/27/getting-a-job-employment-labor.html
  • Rosero, E. V. L. (2012). Why many fresh college grads don’t get hired, according to Survey of managers. Retrieved September 15, 2015 from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/250239/money/economy/why-many-fresh-college-g rads-don-t-get-hired-according-to-survey-of-managers
  • Salleh, R., Yusoff, A., Amat, S., Noor, A., & Suredah, N. (Nov 2013). Profiling industry-relevant competencies of graduate Architect through online job advertisements. International Business Research, 6(11), 43-51.
  • Spencer, L. M., & Spencer, S. M. (1993). Competency at work. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Steward, A. (2009). Continuing your professional development in lifelong learning. Great Britain: Continuum International Publishing Group.
  • Striber, A. (2015). No experience required? The value of work history. Retrieved August 13, 2015 from http://www.careercast.com/career-news/no-experience-required-value-work-h istory
  • Surakka, S. (2005). Analysis of technical skills in job advertisements targeted at software developers. Informatics in Education, 4(1), 101-122.
  • Surakka, S. (2005). Trend analysis of job advertisements: What technical skills do software developers need? Helsinki Technology University.