MUNCIE, Ind. -- Knowledge of computers and technology may not only help a person clinch a job, but could boost their salary as well, according to a new Ball State University survey.

More than 220 companies were surveyed about the candidates they're looking for and what skill sets they expect to see, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

The study found that firms are willing to pay a premium for people with emerging media skills: 67 percent reported they would pay up to 4 percent more, while 23 percent said they would pay 8 percent more.

"What we found was that most organizations put a wage premium on people with those skills," said Jennifer Bott, an associate professor of marketing.

But 77 percent of the companies surveyed said they don't provide any training to current employees, meaning serious candidates will have to learn it on their own.

"Finding ways to make yourself marketable may, to some employers, signal a commitment to getting the job," Bott said.

Ball State has launched a large-scale emerging media initiative to make sure their students are prepared come graduation time.

Jeff Renoe, an advertising major in his senior year, has been working on an interactive advertising campaign. He said he thinks his skills will pay off, if there are jobs to be had.

"I'm really confident in the fact that I've prepared myself for the workforce," he said. "It's just a question of if anything will be available."