Developing academic coaches: The efficacy of psychometric tests for cultivating ‘business ready’ graduates

Abstract

This scientist-practitioner study investigated the effectiveness of psychometric-informed academic coaching sessions for cultivating ‘business ready’ graduates. Sixty undergraduate student coaches consented to evaluate the academic coaching provision, which comprised both coaching sessions and materials. Materials included Business Graduate Work Readiness Scale (BGWRS), Occupational Interests Profile (OIP), and Competency Evidence Log (CEL); provided by 10 trained academic coaches, trained in coaching skills, and psychometric test use. Multi-methods were used to gather data. This included a focus group interview, reflective essays, and evaluation forms. Findings suggest that psychometric knowledge helped to raise coach’s self-awareness, and understanding of careers that would fit their personality, including the knowledge and skills they should develop to ensure their readiness.