• This GIFTS activity is best implemented on the first day of class to encourage students to reflect on the value of the key attributes that employers are looking for when hiring new graduates. 
• This activity is suitable for any class that includes team-based learning, written/oral communication, or problem-solving skills. 
• For instructors who are using active learning methods, the activity provides a rationale for explaining why teamwork and collaborative learning matter.
• It also allows students to understand the prerequisites for teamwork to be productivity augmenting.
• Finally, it uses the principle of scarcity to explain the relatively low-value employers place on technical skills.

1. A ranking sheet for each student (See example in Appendix 1 under Student Handout below)
2. A timing device - One can use an online timer
3. A ranking sheet with the actual ranking as provided by the NACE Job Outlook survey (See example in Appendix 2 under Instructor's Materials)
4. A list of guiding questions for discussion. (See instructor's Tips below)

This is a rank-order activity that works in three steps.

Step 1: During the first class, the instructor asks students to rank the characteristics or attributes that employers are looking for when hiring new college graduates.

Every year, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conduct the Job Outlook survey in which employers are asked to prioritize the skills or attributes they are looking for when making hiring decisions. The survey results are available from the following link for the 2023 survey: https://www.forbesindia.com/article/thunderbird/5-top-skills-employers-are-looking-for-in-new-business-graduates-and-others/81599/1

In 2024 for example the most prized attributes are:

1. Problem-solving skills
2. Ability to work in a team
3. Communication skills (written)
4. Strong work ethic
5. Flexibility/adaptability
6. Communication skills (verbal)
7. Technical skills
8. Analytical/quantitative skills
9. Initiative
10. Detail-oriented
11. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
12. Computer skills
13. Leadership
14. Organizational ability
15. Strategic planning skills

Even though employers generally identify several important attributes, it makes it less overwhelming and less time-consuming if the instructor focuses student ranking only on the first 10 or 12 skills for this activity.  See an example of sheet here!

Step 2: Next, the instructor invites students to rank the items again in pairs. In general, students can simply turn to their sitting neighbor to discuss and come up with the pair’s ranking. Allowing 5 minutes for discussion is usually enough.

Step 3: Finally, the instructor asks pairs to combine two by two into groups of four and now complete the same activity in those groups.

To help students keep track of their successive rankings, they are given the following printed handout.

Computing the Deltas

• Allow 3 minutes for each student to write down the correct ranking from the most recent Job Outlook survey.
• Ask students to calculate the deltas, the difference between their individual rankings and the correct Employer rankings. 
  
• Once all the students are done, discuss the process, answer any questions, and ask them to complete the deltas for their pair ranking and their group ranking.
• Finally, ask them to compute the total of Delta columns for the three rankings (individual, in pairs, and in groups).