Abstract
Every year polytechnics in Malaysia produce thousands of graduates in vocational areas, however, these graduates have to strive in a competitive job market against graduates from other tertiary institutions. This study aims to investigate polytechnic students efficacy on their communication skills. These skills are crucial in determining their chances for employment and would also enable them to perform effectively at workplace. Final semester students from Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (n=120) were asked to assess their own communication skills ability using the Communication Skills self-assessment questionnaire. Findings indicate that polytechnic students are quite confident in their ability to communicate effectively at workplace and job interviews. However, interviews with potential employers indicate differently. Implications of the study include a call for the evaluation of the English proficiency courses currently being implemented in Malaysian polytechnics.
Highlights
Communication is the transfer of information from one person to another
From the results above, the students seem to be quite knowledgeable on interpersonal communication skills and know how to communicate appropriately at the workplace except for a few situations, i.e. items vi, xiii and xxi
The participants should learn more on the appropriate etiquette and body language of western culture which is different compared to the Malaysian culture
Summary
Communication is the transfer of information from one person to another. It is an important and basic skill that polytechnic students have to build in order to make them marketable once they complete their studies. Students need to be taught how to communicate effectively in a work environment especially, related to their areas. They need to convey good communication skills that are related to their technical knowledge. These students will be able to excel in their studies and future career. In the Globalization era, good communication skills are keys to career success
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