As a result, many head to the best university they can afford (or not afford).

But if a recent report out of the U.K. is any indication, a college degree does not necessarily a good employee make. As the chart below shows, many employers are increasingly dissatisfied with new employee attitudes toward work, problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to relate well to customers.

The Telegraph gave backing to these numbers by offering the real-life experiences of employers, one of whom is Crescens George:

Crescens George, chief operating officer of Be Wiser Insurance group, told The Telegraph that graduates are not prepared for 'the real world of work', and often require 'ego-massaging'.

'You would expect that university education would teach some basic business etiquette, and certainly communication skills.'

Recalling a negative experience with a graduate he had previously hired, George said: