Employability skills for civil engineers in Peru. Case study: San Antonio Abad del Cusco National University

Abstract

Recent modifications to the higher education system aim to ensure an education with high levels of employability; nevertheless, given the current economic climate, it is difficult for young professionals to launch their careers. In light of this circumstance, the authors of this research intend to identify and compare the talents that senior students, graduates, and professionals in civil engineering consider essential for entering the workforce. This study's data were gathered using a questionnaire survey completed by 243 individuals, and descriptive statistics were employed to characterize their perceptions. The results indicate that there are clear disparities in perception; also, it was shown that graduates have negative perceptions of their skills, which generates doubts about their ability to integrate into the market. This research is intriguing since it serves as a decision-making tool for the skills taught at the Professional School of Civil Engineering.