Miami University

CPPO SURVEYS EMPLOYERS ON USE OF TECHNOLOGY

02/03/1997

OXFORD, Ohio -- The Career Planning and Placement Office at

Miami University has conducted a technology survey of employers recruiting on

campus.

"It's important for students to know the types of skills and

qualifications employers are seeking," said Richard Hearin, director of the

CPPO.

Ninety-eight employers responded to the survey. Of these, 73 percent said

they used e-mail in their work. Fifty-seven percent advertise job openings on

the World Wide Web, with 55 percent actually accepting resumes of applicants

over the Web. Seventy-four percent of the companies represented have a home

page.

Respondents also were asked what computer skills their companies require

of entry-level candidates. Most require at least some familiarity with

computers. Many prefer candidates to be familiar with Microsoft Office (Word,

Excel, PowerPoint and Access) software and Lotus. Many of the more technically

oriented firms also require knowledge of computer languages such as COBOL, C

and C++.

The CPPO will use the information from the survey to help educate

students.

"We would hope that as students learn about the various technologies that

employers are using they will take advantage of opportunities to develop their

skills in these areas," Hearin said.