As the global workforce becomes increasingly interconnected, preparing young people for international careers is more important than ever. A new Canadian study, Bridging the Gap Between Employers and the Global Skills Gained from Mobility, sheds light on what employers truly value in graduates with international experience.
Commissioned by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and conducted by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Nova Scotia Community College, the study investigates how study-abroad experiences impact graduate employability in Canada. The Employer-Led Mobility (ELM) group carried out semi-structured interviews across various industries to assess what employers seek in new hires—and how international experiences align with those expectations.
Key Skills in Demand
The research identifies five core competencies that employers most value in new graduates:
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Communication skills
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Adaptability
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Problem-solving
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Teamwork
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Time and self-management
While international exposure can strengthen these skills, the report notes that simply having studied abroad isn’t enough. Employers want graduates who can clearly articulate how their global experiences have shaped their professional development. This echoes findings from the European Erasmus+ study, which also emphasized the importance of skill demonstration over mere participation.
Beyond Technical Know-How
Employers consistently said soft skills outweighed technical knowledge for recent graduates. Passion, initiative, engagement, and the ability to communicate effectively were cited as major differentiators.
One employer noted, “International exposure builds confidence and independence. Being immersed in another culture enhances interpersonal skills and sharpens one’s ability to read both verbal and non-verbal cues.”
Another added, “When I see a gap year or overseas experience on a résumé, I assume the individual is open to new challenges and willing to leave their comfort zone.”
The Value of Soft Skills
The report highlights how study-abroad programs foster qualities that are highly prized in the workplace: self-confidence, independence, and intercultural competence. Employers who had themselves studied or worked abroad especially recognized the value of these experiences.
Still, the report stresses that the onus is on graduates to translate their experiences into tangible skills during the job application process—both in writing and interviews.
Skills as Potential, Not Proof
Employers interviewed by ELM emphasized potential over proven expertise. They valued graduates who demonstrated the ability to grow, adapt, and contribute to team dynamics—qualities often cultivated through international study.
Communication, again, ranked as the top skill, with employers noting that international experiences often help students become more articulate, better at conflict resolution, and more open-minded.
Making the Most of International Experience
The research concludes that universities and colleges must help students reflect on and express the skills they’ve gained abroad. A well-crafted résumé and interview performance can greatly enhance a graduate’s appeal to employers—especially when global experience is framed in terms of workplace readiness.
ELM’s findings build on earlier research conducted for CICan and Universities Canada, which showed that international mobility helps students develop key attributes such as adaptability, intercultural fluency, confidence, and self-awareness—skills that are crucial for thriving in diverse, fast-changing workplaces.
Canadian employers also value community engagement and social responsibility. Graduates with international and volunteer experience were viewed as better able to adapt and contribute meaningfully in team settings.
A Global Workforce Advantage
The report concludes that aligning international learning outcomes with employer expectations can significantly improve graduate employability. As more Canadian students gain overseas experience, the country stands to benefit from a more skilled, globally minded workforce.
For higher education institutions, the takeaway is clear: equip students with the tools to articulate and apply their global skills in professional contexts. This will bridge the gap between education and employment—and better prepare the next generation for a competitive international job market.
The full report offers educators and employers a deeper look into the findings, along with practical recommendations for harnessing the value of global mobility in workforce development.
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