Professor Plünnecke, in your latest report, you describe the challenges currently facing the German economy: demographic change, digitalisation, decarbonisation, and deglobalisation are four key terms. What do companies expect from university graduates who might be available as future employees?
Companies expect future university graduates to have practical experience as well as social and personal skills. The most valued social and personal skills in the recruitment process are independence, the ability to solve problems, proactive action and initiative, conscientiousness and openness to new ideas. These skills are strengthened by spending time abroad during studies and internships. Additionally, innovative and international companies in particular attach great importance to intercultural skills and a command of foreign languages. These companies particularly consider a stay abroad more important than adhering to the standard study period.
