Bachelor of Commerce (Digital Marketing) - Postsecondary ...

Figure 24 – Prefer University Graduates Over
College Graduates
Figure 25 – Differences in Online Degrees vs.
Other Degrees
Not
sure
12.7
Yes
20.0
Not
sure
7.3
Yes
32.7
No
67.3
No
60.0
Hiring Preferences
About two‐thirds of Employers stated that they would not give preference to a university candidate over
a college candidate when making hiring decisions, given two candidates with similar employment
experience and similar business degrees (Figure 24). However, 20% of employers reported that they
would prefer university over college graduates, and another 13% were unsure.
The main reason given by most employers for not automatically hiring a university grad over a college
grad was the importance to Employers of other qualities, such as personality and work experience, over
education. Several Employers explained that they would consider both degrees to be equal and
therefore it would not affect their hiring decision. A few Employers clarified that they would hire
university graduates for higher‐level positions and college graduates for mid‐level positions. A few
Employers stated that they would favour a college grad over a university grad because of the hands‐on
skills, and some stated a preference for college grads since they were also graduates of the college
system.
Of the Employers who said that they would hire a university graduate over a college graduate, the most
frequent explanation was the perception of university graduates as higher calibre and better prepared
as critical thinkers and independent workers. A few Employers preferred university graduates because
of the positive reputation that university holds.
I will hire the person that fits. I hire for attitude, humility and work ethic. I don't care about
where their degree came from.
It wouldn't matter. I see them both as degrees. I'd concentrate more on personal differences.
For higher level positions then I would choose the university candidate, but for mid‐level
positions requiring a lot of teamwork I would choose the college student for their tactical
strengths.
Right now we have a bias in favour of Fanshawe College. Their lack of pomposity is a big factor.
I would choose a university grad for the area of critical thinking and working independently.
College students are spoon fed too much and expectations to achieve aren't high enough.
LKSB Degree Program Feasibility Study • 2011
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