Pan European survey reveals a good academic degree is not enough for employers
6.09.2011Company: Amcham
Four out of five employers look for interpersonal skills, confidence and enthusiasm over an academic degree or business acumen. The global network of consulting companies, RSM International, has surveyed 500 CEOs of European companies.
A survey of 500 European business leaders from 32 countries reveals that potential employers rate strong interpersonal skills, confidence and enthusiasm far higher than more tangible and testable skills such as a strong academic degree or business acumen in a potential employee
The survey was conducted by global network of independent consulting companies RSM International in conjunction with the European Business Awards that organises a prestigious competition of the same name.
When hiring entry level graduates, 81 per cent of those surveyed said the most important characteristics were confidence, enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit. In comparison, only 20 per cent of respondents cited a good academic degree and business acumen amongst their most important.
Sixty per cent of the survey respondents, who ranged from CEOs of large multinational companies to SMEs, rated creativity and the ability to diversify as key traits in an entrepreneur whilst willingness to take risks scored less highly.
“Although the beginning of the school year should celebrate the importance of education for one’s further career, we find out more and more often that common sense and its consistent application in practice is what makes entrepreneurs successful and unique. We don’t underestimate a quality education background but the survey has a clear message for students – that it’s not enough today,” adds Monika Marečková, Managing Partner of RSM TACOMA.
Jean Stephens, CEO of global accounting network RSM International, says, “Academic qualifications are obviously important but people skills and entrepreneurialism are assets increasingly sought by employers throughout Europe. In tough economic times these skills help employees and businesses stand out in crowded and competitive marketplaces. For the fifth consecutive year, we are celebrating entrepreneurship through our sponsorship of the European Business Award’s (EBA) RSM International Entrepreneur of the Year award.”
About RSM TACOMA
RSM TACOMA is a Czech leading advisory firm providing services in mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance, valuations, tax, trust services, audit, management consulting and accounting & payroll. Having been in the market since 1993, RSM TACOMA became a part of the sixth largest global network of independent consulting firms, RSM International, in 2011. More detailed information is available at www.rsm-tacoma.cz.
About RSM International
RSM International is the world’s sixth largest independent consulting network. It has 92 members in 83 countries, 714 offices worldwide and 32,551 employees including 3,113 partners. RSM International’s activities are well known primarily in America, Asia and Great Britain. More details about the RSM International network is available at www.rsmi.com.
Contact for the media
Romana Káňová
Tel: +420 226 219 000
romana.kanova@rsm-tacoma.cz
