Why are graduate employability skills important to employers?

Our Level 4 BSc (Hons) Hospitality Business Management students recently interviewed two industry leaders to explore the importance of graduate employability skills. Angus Brydon (pictured above), Divisional Managing Director from the Boutique Contract Caterer, Bartlett and Mitchell and Garry Baldwin, Managing Director of New Forest Hotel Group were asked to share their views and experiences on the importance of skills such as commercial awareness, cultural diversity, resilience in the workplace, leadership, problem solving and effective communication. 

In the post webinar wrap up session the students were unanimous in their reflections - all these employability skills are crucial in forming a successful career in the hospitality industry.

It was also noted that the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic were significant and top of the agenda for both speakers and the hospitality industry in general. However, the negative influence and strategic response from each organisation / sector was slightly different. One important message that they took away was that as a leader it was essential to be mindful and flexible when embracing change and responding quickly in a crisis.  The skills in effective communication to staff, customers and clients was and still is crucial.