What Employers Really Want: Paper Series
UpSkill America, an initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program, conducted the qualitative study on behalf of Western Governors University. The report describes what employers said they need to make better use of these Learning and Employment Records and makes recommendations for credential providers.
In early summer 2025, with support from Western Governors University, UpSkill America had the opportunity to dig deeper into durable skills and attitudes to gain a better understanding of how US employers valued and prioritized these capacities in their early-career hires.
List of Publications:
- Durable Skills, Strong Starts: What Employers Really Want from Early- Career Talent
- What Matters Most: Employer Priorities for Early-Career Talent
- Mind the Gaps: Opportunities For Improvement in Durable Skills and Attitudes Among Early-Career Hires
- An Interesting Case: Leadership
- From Execution to Influence: The Durable Skills that Define Senior Roles
Moving beyond “demand,” this study explores the depth and nuance of employer priorities for early career talent. Supported by Western Governors University, UpSkill America provides a fresh perspective on how durable skills and attitudes are truly valued in today’s early-career hiring landscape.
This piece is the first in a series.
Commissioned by Western Governors University, this UpSkill America report analyzes national survey data to identify the durable skills and attitudes employers value most in early-career hires. It highlights a core focus on “reliability and execution”—including trustworthiness, teamwork, and integrity—while examining how these priorities vary by organization type and market reach.
The research for this work with WGU and UpSkill America identifies a critical gap between employer expectations and the current capabilities of early-career talent. This paper outlines the specific durable skills and attitudes most frequently cited as “areas for improvement,” offering a roadmap for better alignment. By addressing these needs, we can better prepare the next generation of workers for long-term success.Description of Publication
Everyone talks about leadership, but how much does it actually matter for a first-time hire? Supported by Western Governors University, our latest UpSkill America study investigates the real-world value employers place on leadership in early-career candidates.
We analyzed how employers evaluate durable skills differently when hiring or promoting for more senior roles. According to our survey, more than 60% of respondents indicate that they value and prioritize specific skills and attitudes differently when considering senior-level positions.
About Western Governors University
Western Governors University, the nation’s leading nonprofit, online university, is transforming higher education to be more student-centric, affordable, accessible to all and relevant to the workforce. Established in 1997 by 19 visionary US governors, WGU creates life-changing pathways to opportunity for those underserved by traditional institutions — working adults, historically underrepresented communities and a diverse, growing number of learners looking for a flexible, online model that better suits their life circumstances. WGU’s competency-based education model allows students to demonstrate mastery as they progress through programs at their own pace. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, WGU operates in all 50 states and offers more than 112 degrees in health, education, technology, and business. Additionally, WGU provide individual courses and certificates for students preparing to pursue a degree. WGU serves more than 193,000 students nationwide, with more than 401,849 alumni, and has awarded more than 453,438 degrees. Learn more at wgu.edu. Follow WGU on X at @wgu and on LinkedIn.
About UpSkill America
UpSkill America, an initiative of the Economic Opportunities Program, supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers.
About the Economic Opportunities Program
The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.
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