Which skill set have employers indicated current college graduates might be lacking?

• A. Technical skills.
• B. Interpersonal communication.
• C. Professionalism and work ethic.
• D. Industry certifications.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that employers prize professionalism and work ethic as the foundation for dependable performance in the workplace. This includes showing up reliably, meeting deadlines, taking initiative, handling responsibilities, and communicating appropriately with teammates and supervisors. When graduates lack these behaviors, it undermines trust and productivity, even if they have solid technical abilities.

Technical skills can often be taught on the job, and while strong communication and certifications are valuable, they don’t carry the same broad, universal impact on day-to-day performance as professionalism and a consistent work ethic. A candidate who demonstrates reliable, professional behavior is more likely to succeed across roles and teams, which is why this set best captures what employers commonly note as missing.