In the USA there have been multiple reports calling for renewed efforts to increase the number of young people choosing to pursue careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. Alongside there have also been numerous reports from the private sector outlining the kinds of knowledge, skills and habits of mind that are of value to employers seeking to recruit new graduates. Educators at all levels have a critical role to play in meeting these demands, chiefly through the learning experiences we create for students. The Association of American Colleges and Universities, through the Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) initiative, has articulated and promoted a set of essential learning outcomes intended to highlight and address what arguably matters most in college, in the context of a global economy and citizenship in the diverse USA democracy. We will use their rubric to explore the question, "How and to what degree do research experiences prepare undergraduates for the working world?". We will look at the available evidence and consider ways to increase the efficacy of undergraduate research in preparing students to meet the challenges of 21st century work environments around the globe.