What Do Employers Look for in New Business Graduates?

For students who have decided that they wish to pursue a future in business, choosing a business degree is often the first step. However, one question should always be front and center when making this choice. Namely:

“Will this help me get ready for the workplace?”

It’s an important question to consider because employers today are not generally seeking  graduates who only understand business in a theoretical manner.  What they really want are people who can think clearly, communicate well, solve problems, work with others, and adapt to change in a demonstrable manner.

That is why a strong business degree should do more than teach subjects like marketing, finance, and management. It should help students become capable, confident professionals and prepare them for the real world.

Let’s take a closer look at what employers are searching for in new graduates and how the right degree can help achieve this.

Problem-solving comes first

While seeing a recognizable institution on a person’s CV sounds good on paper, studies show that employers are more interested in graduates who can clearly solve business problems.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)’s Job Outlook 2025 survey, nearly 90% of employers said they look for evidence of problem-solving ability when reviewing student resumes. Additionally, nearly 80% look for teamwork skills. Written communication, initiative, work ethic, and technical skills were also important to at least 70% of employers.

This is an important signal for business students because while good grades and school name matter, employers especially want proof that graduates can apply what they know to real situations. They want people who can assess a challenge, consider options, and make sound recommendations. 

In this regard, the quality of the business degree and the competencies it confers might give you the greatest edge when it comes to the job market.

Communication is still a core business skill

In business, strong ideas only matter if they can be explained clearly, applied correctly, and provide the desired results. Of course, what brings all of this together is the ability to properly convey that idea in the first place.

When thrust into the business world, new graduates are often expected to write emails, prepare reports, present ideas, contribute in meetings, and work with more senior colleagues across departments. Being able to slide into that role requires clear communication skills.

In the same survey mentioned above, NACE identifies written communication as one of the key skills employers seek in college graduates. Thus, for business students, this means communication should be treated as part of professional readiness.

This is where a strong business degree such as a BSc in Business Administration program, like the one offered at SBS Swiss Business School, can give students repeated practice in presenting, writing, discussing cases, and defending ideas in a structured way.

Analytical thinking is essential in a changing economy

While negotiation and communication skills are key in modern business, business graduates can also benefit greatly from analytical thinking. This is even more true in the age of AI-driven business where having a human operator able to identify value is more essential than ever before.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies analytical thinking as a major workplace skill and notes that leadership, social influence, talent management, and analytical thinking rank among the top skills on the rise. This matters because business decisions increasingly depend on evidence and not simply hunches.

As such, the best positioned graduates need to understand markets, customers, budgets, data, risks, and performance indicators. They do not need to be experts in everything on day one, but they should know how to ask better questions and use information responsibly.

How SBS helps BSc students build these skills

SBS Swiss Business School’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is a full-time, three-year program at the Zurich campus, worth 183 ECTS credits. It is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and global mindset needed for today’s business world.

The degree emphasizes a practical, team-based learning approach, one where students learn from experienced faculty and engage with business concepts in ways designed to prepare them for the challenges of a modern global business environment.

That structure aligns well with what employers are looking for: problem-solving, teamwork, communication, initiative, and professional readiness.

Best of all, the school has also undergone numerous accreditation and review processes, adhering to the standards of Swiss-State Accreditation, among others, and is taught entirely in English, the international language of business.

Why studying in Zurich adds value to your degree

As one additional consideration, it’s worth noting that location can also shape career preparation.

Studying business in Zurich gives students exposure to one of Europe’s important business environments. Switzerland is known for international commerce, finance, innovation, and quality-focused industries. 

For business students, this matters because it helps make business feel real from the beginning. After all, you are not only studying business concepts but learning in a country and city closely connected to global markets and professional opportunity.

What students should focus on during their degree

A business student who wants to become employable should not wait until the final semester to think about career readiness. From the first year, students should focus on building:

• strong communication habits
• confidence in teamwork
• analytical and problem-solving skills
• professionalism and initiative
• comfort working across cultures
• practical examples they can discuss with employers

The goal should always be to graduate with evidence of growth and a strong foundation in essential business skills. Regardless of which degree you pursue, you will want to ensure it focuses on those competencies and what businesses currently look for in their new hires.

What parents should look for in a business degree

Parents evaluating a business program should look beyond the course list. A strong program should answer questions such as:

• Does it build practical skills?
• Does it encourage teamwork?
• Does it help students communicate professionally?
• Does it expose students to international perspectives?
• Does it support confidence and independence?
• Is the institution accredited and credible?

For younger students especially, the right environment can make a major difference as a business degree should help them mature into capable professionals, not simply complete academic requirements. The right combination can better ensure your child’s future after graduation. 

FAQ about what employers look for in new grads

What skill do employers value most in new business graduates?

Problem-solving is one of the most important. NACE’s Job Outlook 2025 found that nearly 90% of employers look for evidence of problem-solving ability on student resumes.

Are soft skills really that important for business graduates?

Yes. Communication, teamwork, initiative, and work ethic are all highly valued by employers. These skills help graduates contribute effectively in real workplaces.

Does a BSc in Business Administration prepare students for different career paths?

Yes. A BSc in Business Administration builds foundations across core areas such as management, finance, marketing, and international business, supporting a wide range of early career options.

How does SBS Swiss Business support career readiness?

SBS’s BSc uses practical, team-based learning and is designed to develop business knowledge, skills, and a global mindset for modern business environments.

Why does international exposure matter for new graduates?

Many employers operate across markets and cultures. Students who learn in international environments often build stronger communication, adaptability, and cultural awareness.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be clear. The best employers are not looking for picture perfect graduates. Rather, they are looking for graduates who demonstrate they can learn, communicate, solve problems, work with others, and adapt to new challenges in the business world. That is why the right business degree matters.

At SBS Swiss Business School, the BSc in Business Administration is designed to help students build practical knowledge, professional confidence, and a global mindset from the start.

For students beginning their business education (and for parents helping them choose the right path) those qualities can make all the difference.

Contact us to learn more!