Looking back to my high school years, if you asked me how I planned to get a job in the future, I think I would have said my plan was to get into a good college, get good grades and graduate with a high GPA.

But my plan changed after I read a study on what employers want most in new hires.

In a 2012 study conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education and American Public Media’s Marketplace, employers indicated that they preferred students with work experience over academics.

I am not saying that schools, grades and GPAs don´t matter, but I do believe that employers don’t look at academic degrees and GPAs as much as they consider relevant experience and skills needed in the work place.

Although employers in the study don’t see academics as important experience, academics are still absolutely essential.

“Grades are not necessarily going to give you the job,” said Judi Gould from the Career Transfer Center. “But you need to pay attention to your grades. Grades are what are going to take you into your next step.”

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, when it comes to skills most desired by employers, candidates with writing and oral communication skills, adaptability, ability to manage multiple priorities, and good decision making and problem solving skills are at the advantage.

All these are core skills you learn during your time in college. To say that grades don’t matter at all would be a lie, but we must also recognize that we acquire most of these skills when we start working.

“I think [internships] makes [students] more competitive,” said Gould. “But it also helps students determine if that’s what they want to do.”

Extra-curricular activities, jobs, internships, and volunteer work will make your resume stand out in a competitive job market, not your GPA.

“Internships make you desirable,” said Gould. “Shows that you have initiative to go out there and find that experience.”

Now, during interviews, students should stand out as much as their resume. Employers most likely will look at candidates with a strong interview.

According to a survey from Millennial Branding and Beyond.com, hiring managers say their biggest problems with candidates are that they’re unprepared for the interview and have a lousy attitude.

That’s why it is important for students to spend a good amount of time preparing for that big interview.

“The next time you have a job interview take the time to prepare for it,” said CEO of Group Harmonics Ed Muzio.

I am not saying you shouldn’t be studying for your math test, but you should probably spend the same amount of time studying for the interview you landed for the next day.

–For more information on internships you can contact the Career Transfer Center at www.moorparkcollege.edu/transfer or at (805) 378-1551.