Undergraduate research gives students the opportunity to engage in activities to advance understandings in their fields of study. Undergraduate research experience significantly benefits students’ education by enhancing their critical-thinking skills and workforce readiness, yet few undergraduates engage in research activities. Prior literature suggests skills learned through research activities are valuable to students’ future careers and to their employers even if students do not pursue research-focused roles after graduation. Researchers at two U.S. institutions interviewed ten industry and university professionals to determine how a research skillset could benefit students as future professionals. Participants indicated graduates with a research skillset would benefit their industries and disciplines. Further, participants indicated their desire to hire coachable, well-rounded undergraduate researchers trained in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Additionally, the participants indicated a need for candidates with the abilities to critically read and select relevant literature, develop survey instruments and interview protocols, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Beyond research-specific skills, participants discussed the importance of new hires having the abilities to ask new questions, challenge the status quo, and drive the exploration of new topics or processes. They viewed undergraduate research as a way for students to develop strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences, including association members, industry stakeholders, researchers, politicians, and the public. Participants emphasized the importance of students’ abilities to translate research and technical information for lay audiences. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend incorporating structured research activities into core curriculum to begin developing undergraduate student interest in and more opportunities for research activities. While enhancing their undergraduate experience, engaging in research opportunities will also prepare students to meet stakeholders’ needs after graduation.