What Faculty Seeks In New Graduates?

The transition from campus to career marks a pivotal moment for new graduates, where academic achievements must align with workplace expectations. Hiring faculty today are increasingly focused on a blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and soft skills that enable graduates to thrive in dynamic professional environments. Beyond degrees and certifications, employers prioritize attributes like adaptability, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, which are essential for navigating real-world challenges. 

Hence, Priyanka Anand, VP & Head HR, Southeast Asia Oceania and India, Ericsson delves deep into shelling how the essential skills hiring faculty seek, exploring and how students can bridge the gap between education and employment to build successful, future-ready careers.

1 - What are the top skills hiring faculty look for in recent graduates, and why are these skills prioritised?
At Ericsson India, we primarily recruit graduates from Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science (CS) backgrounds, focusing on skills that align with the demands of the telecommunications and ICT sectors. A strong foundation in technical areas, such as network protocols, data structures, algorithms, cloud computing, AI/ML, and software-defined networking (SDN), is essential, particularly with the rise of 5G and IoT technologies. Beyond technical expertise, we emphasize problem-solving skills, as our industry relies heavily on innovation and the ability to analyze complex challenges and devise practical solutions. Equally important are collaboration and communication skills, as Ericsson operates in a global, multicultural environment where teamwork and the clear articulation of technical concepts are crucial. Additionally, adaptability and learning agility are highly valued, given the rapid pace of technological advancements, with graduates who are open to continuous upskilling being better equipped for long-term success. These skills are prioritized because they directly impact project outcomes.

To further nurture young talent, Ericsson introduced its campus hiring program ASCENT providing graduates with the opportunity to think big and turn ideas into achievements. Selected participants work on challenging projects within their domains under expert leadership, in the area they are most passionate about.

2 - How can universities and colleges better prepare students with the skills that hiring faculty expect?
To better prepare students with the skills that hiring faculty expect, universities and colleges must establish robust partnerships with industries and focus on aligning curricula with evolving market demands. Regular tech connect sessions and collaborations can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. Practical training, hands-on learning, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies are vital components of such an approach.

At Ericsson, we actively contribute towards this through our EricssonEdge Academia Program, that serves as a model for effective partnerships that enhance employability and prepare students for cutting-edge roles in technology-driven industries. This six-month program trains pre-final year students in specialized domains such as 5G, Cloud, and AI. It combines instructor-led sessions by Ericsson industry experts with web-based learning modules to provide a well-rounded understanding of telecom technologies. Regular assessments ensure progress, while students gain exposure to industry best practices and real-world applications. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to join Ericsson’s Graduate Recruitment Program, further solidifying their career readiness.

Additionally, universities should encourage internships, project-based learning, and innovation labs to develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. Soft skills, including communication, leadership, and teamwork, are equally essential and should be integrated into the curriculum. By adopting such a holistic approach, educational institutions can produce graduates who meet industry expectations, ensuring their success in competitive global markets.

3 - How can graduates demonstrate strong interpersonal and collaboration skills when they have limited professional experience?
Graduates can effectively demonstrate strong interpersonal and collaboration skills even with limited professional experience by emphasizing their participation in group projects, team-based tasks, and extracurricular activities during their academic journey. Highlighting instances where they worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal, such as a successful group presentation, a hackathon, or a research project, can showcase their ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts.

Internship or volunteer experiences are also excellent examples, as they often involve cross-functional collaboration and exposure to professional settings. For instance, internships that required teamwork or coordination with different departments can highlight their adaptability and interpersonal skills.

Additionally, completing online emotional intelligence assessments or problem-solving exercises can offer quantifiable evidence of their ability to navigate interpersonal challenges. At Ericsson, we value candidates who actively engage in problem-solving questions during interviews or assessments, as it reflects their capacity to collaborate under pressure and manage dynamic team interactions. By presenting such experiences and outcomes during hiring processes, graduates can effectively position themselves as strong team players ready to contribute to collaborative work environments.

4. Are there any common skills gaps hiring faculty often notice in recent graduates, and how can students address these gaps?
One of the most common skills gaps hiring faculty observe in recent graduates is the lack of relevant project work that aligns with the roles they aim to pursue. Many students miss opportunities to gain hands-on experience in areas directly tied to their educational background and the industry’s current needs. For example, a graduate in Computer Science might focus heavily on theoretical learning without engaging in practical applications like software development, cloud integration, or AI implementation.

To address these gaps, students should actively participate in projects, internships, and hackathons that offer practical exposure to their areas of interest. Building technical depth through self-initiated projects, online courses, or certifications in trending technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI can also strengthen their profiles. Staying updated on industry advancements and actively engaging with professionals through seminars, webinars, or mentorship programs can provide the necessary industry awareness. By focusing on relevant, hands-on experiences and enhancing technical and market understanding, graduates can bridge these gaps effectively.

5. What advice do hiring faculty give to graduates looking to stand out in competitive job markets?
Hiring faculty often advise graduates looking to stand out in competitive job markets to start by gaining a solid understanding of the industry they wish to enter. Being aware of current trends, emerging technologies, and the challenges facing the industry is crucial. Graduates should make it a priority to stay informed about sector-specific developments, as this knowledge helps them to better tailor their skills to the evolving needs of employers.
Engaging in relevant work through internships, projects, or freelance opportunities is another key recommendation. Practical experience allows graduates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts and build a portfolio that showcases their capabilities. Such experiences not only enhance their technical skills but also demonstrate their ability to work in a team, solve problems, and adapt to industry requirements.

They should present an authentic, well-rounded skill set with a clear narrative of their journey and passion for the industry .Personalizing applications, demonstrating continuous learning, and showcasing relevant experience are all ways graduates can differentiate themselves in today’s competitive job market.

6. How can students showcase their adaptability and resilience—qualities often valued by hiring faculty—on their resumes and in interviews?
Students can showcase their adaptability and resilience on their resumes and in interviews by sharing real-life experiences that demonstrate these qualities. Hiring faculty often notice that many students rely on AI-generated CVs, which may highlight skills or experiences they don't fully understand or haven't actually worked with. To stand out, students should ensure that every skill listed on their resume is backed by a concrete example or project they’ve worked on.
For instance, students can highlight instances where they led activities or projects, especially those that required them to step outside their comfort zone, manage challenges, or navigate setbacks. This can showcase both adaptability and resilience. 

7. What role does a graduate’s ability to learn and grow on the job play in hiring decisions?
A graduate's ability to learn and grow on the job plays a major role in hiring decisions. When students showcase the potential to learn quickly and demonstrate a genuine desire to groom themselves professionally, it significantly enhances their appeal to hiring faculty. This ability to adapt and evolve is crucial because, in most technical roles, there is typically a 3-6 month learning curve before graduates become productive and fully contribute to projects. The faster they learn and apply new skills, the faster they can contribute to business growth and drive outcomes.
Today, hiring decisions often lean positively toward candidates who show the motivation to continuously learn and develop. This willingness not only supports the individual's career growth but also accelerates the company’s progress. Employers value graduates who embrace learning on the job, as this ensures they will be able to meet the dynamic demands of the role and the business in the long term.

8.    How can students develop leadership skills that appeal to hiring faculty, even if they’re entering entry-level roles?

Students can develop leadership skills that appeal to hiring faculty by actively seeking out opportunities to take charge in extracurricular activities, projects, or internships. These experiences provide concrete examples that can be showcased on resumes to demonstrate leadership potential, even for entry-level roles. For instance, students can highlight instances where they led a team, organized events, or took responsibility for the success of a project, showing their ability to manage tasks and guide others.

In interviews, students should confidently discuss these leadership experiences, explaining how they took initiative, made decisions, and handled challenges. This will help hiring faculty assess their leadership capabilities. Additionally, emotional intelligence assessments can be used to gauge qualities such as self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills, all of which are critical for effective leadership. Problem-solving questions during interviews also provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to lead by thinking critically and handling difficult situations.

9.    How are hiring faculty’s expectations for new graduates evolving in response to the changing work environment and technological advancements?
Hiring faculty’s expectations for new graduates are evolving significantly in response to the changing work environment and rapid technological advancements. With the increasing pace of technological innovation, industry leaders are now looking for students who go the extra mile to gain additional certifications, courses, and skills beyond their formal education. This demonstrates initiative and a commitment to staying ahead in a competitive job market.

At Ericsson, graduates who showcase expertise in niche and emerging technologies, such as 5G, AI, or cloud computing, stand out by proving they have not only the foundational knowledge but also practical experience in cutting-edge areas. Beyond technical expertise, our hiring faculty increasingly value graduates who embody inclusivity and are strong team players as these qualities are essential for fostering a collaborative work environment. The potential to develop into future leaders is also key. Graduates who show leadership potential, whether through academic projects, internships, or extracurricular activities, are seen as valuable assets to the organization.