Improving Undergraduate Learning For Employability Through International Exposure

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify how undergraduate business programs can incorporate international exposure to increase employability among its graduates. We first examine how international opportunities in corporations have impacted the skills needed by employees to excel in a globalized work environment. From this, we identify desirable employee characteristics. Next, we discuss the research methodology to determine how highly ranked undergraduate business programs are adapting to employer demands. A four-tiered research approach is used to: identify criteria for measurement; select top undergraduate business programs for assessment; research university websites for curriculum requirements; and confirm observations directly with institutions. The findings show how universities have adapted undergraduate learning experiences to incorporate global exposure to help ensure graduates possess the required skills for employability. Finally, we discuss what characteristics many undergraduate business programs may lack in terms of international exposure and offer suggestions on how they could improve. This study should be of interest to university faculty and administrators by providing practical implications to aid undergraduate business programs in adopting initiatives, courses, and opportunities to stress an international focus for students. Introducing global education to a business curriculum could improve graduate job placement and improve a business program’s overall ranking to external constituencies.