Non-technical skills and traits needed to be career-ready graduates as perceived by agribusiness employers and recruiters

The purpose of the study was to determine the skills needed by students of the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences to secure employment after graduation. The population consisted of 211 agribusiness employers who have attended the College's Biannual Career Fairs. A descriptive research design was used for this study. A major finding of this study was employers rated graduates based on means as somewhat prepared or not prepared in several communication skills, business skills and business abilities. Employers also rated Davis College graduates in general to college graduates in preparation level for entry level employment. There were various skills important to employers for the success of graduates in entry level positions. These skills included, but were not limited to: effective verbal skills, oral communication, listening, following instructions, time management, planning and completing projects, professional behavior, leadership, and professional appearance.