To explain the « education-job mismatch », this study seeks to determine the « skill set » needed by today’s graduates pursuing a career in the international context. Priority is given to identifying the particular skills they will need, with a specific focus on ‘cross-cultural management’ (CCM) skills. Using qualitative methods (focus group, interviews and interactive seminar), the results reveal the extent of the mismatch between higher education and employment. Specifically, there is: a lack of transferable CCM skills; a mismatch between the supply of CCM skills development in higher education and the needs of recruiters; and a shortage of CCM skills within the curriculum. Based on these findings, a model is proposed to address the mismatch between higher education and employment.