Preparing University Students of English Department for the Kosovo Labor Market: A Case Study Conducted at the University of Prishtina

Abstract

This research aims to examine whether graduates of English Department and Literature in Faculty of Philology at University of Prishtina are prepared to enter the labor market and if their higher education preparation meets the requirements of employment. Moreover, this study will try to analyze if there are job skills built and implemented specifically in this department, and what skills are students mostly being taught in this institution. This paper analyzes and interprets the results, by backing up the arguments with factual sources to answer the two broad questions of the study. The findings reveal that while there is a certain level of job skills implementation, particularly in teamwork, research, and critical-thinking skills, there is room for improvement and a need for greater incorporation of employability skills. Most English graduates feel sufficiently prepared for the labor market, but a minority attribute their lack of readiness to the insufficient implementation of job skills. Communication skills, practical skills, leadership skills, critical-thinking skills, and problem-solving skills were identified as areas where students desired higher implementation. The study suggests that additional preparation and training are necessary for English graduates to meet the requirements of the labor market and feel confident before entering employment.