Graduate Employability Research Articles

Data-Driven Analysis of Teaching Quality Impact on Graduate Employment in Higher Vocational Colleges of Hefei

Data-Driven Analysis of Teaching Quality Impact on Graduate Employment in Higher Vocational Colleges of Hefei

Ways to solve the problem of training highly qualified internists

Training a highly qualified internist in residency is a multifaceted task facing the teaching staff of the Kuban State Medical University.The aim of the study was to analyze the long-term experience of training internal medicine physicians (from 2019 to 2022) at the Kuban State Medical University.Conclusion. A developed methodological system for personalized preparation of internists, the integration of theoretical and practical training, the individual work of students with ongoing progress monitoring of each resident, the mentor system, as well as the active use of modern technical equipment, novel methodological techniques, digital and simulation technologies, introduced organizational measures and material incentives for students have made it possible to achieve 100% employment of General Medicine residency graduates of the Kuban State Medical University in recent years.

Statistical Approach to Evaluating the Efficacy of Career Guidance Programs on University Graduate Employability in China

Statistical Approach to Evaluating the Efficacy of Career Guidance Programs on University Graduate Employability in China

An innovative approach to remodelling bioscience undergraduate final year projects to develop key transferable skills sought by graduate employers

Undergraduate Biomedical Science dissertations are the culmination of a student’s academic journey and allow students to refine technical proficiencies, experimental design and data analysis. However, traditional dissertation projects may not fully meet the requirements of diverse student populations and employer’s needs. This research project aims to assess the effectiveness of modifying the assessment format for final-year projects, incorporating elements such as lay summaries, project proposals, scientific research papers, and oral poster defences. The objective was to cultivate higher-order critical thinking skills and enhance written and verbal communication competencies, in addition to developing a suite of transferable skills which are highly sought by employers. Quantitative data were primarily generated via end-of-module feedback reports and the module satisfaction survey. Students rated their confidence in a suite of transferable skills pre and post-completion of the project module using a four-point Likert scale. Staff perceptions (n = 30) and module board reports were also evaluated. For all data, a paired t-test for related groups was conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data using the Braun and Clark Framework. The end-of-module feedback was overwhelmingly positive with all students agreeing that they were satisfied with the module. Students reported a statistically significant increase in confidence within 11 transferable skills which are considered core within the industry, for example, critical thinking, problem-solving and time management. Furthermore, the mean module mark increased following the module redesign from 66.3% ± 0.2% in 2019 to 70.9% ± 0.6% in 2020 (p ≤ 0.05). Staff provided free text comments, reporting an overall improvement in the module, a reduction in workload and a better teaching experience. Students exhibited appreciation of the new module structure, assessment suit and creative liberty within the projects. The redesigned project module enhanced the teaching experience for staff, whilst students appreciated the diverse range of projects and assessments that featured shorter word limits and a creative flair. Universities must reinvent undergraduate dissertations to equip students with essential employability skills.

Sustainable employment for vocational education and training graduates: the case of future skills matching in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Bangladesh is characterized by a high demand for skilled workers. Hence, the significance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) becomes crucial to address the existing skill gaps to stimulate economic development. This research addresses the major challenges that hinder the progress of TVET in Bangladesh. This study adopts a mixed-method approach to investigate thoroughly the fundamental aspects of TVET’s capacity to provide high-quality skills development programs with an aim to increase its graduates’ employability. This study finds that individuals, upon their graduation from TVET institutions, face significant obstacles in the job market. These challenges, as the research finds, arise primarily due to discrepancies between graduates’ skills and job market demands. This study also examines the local TVET issues in Bangladesh, offers valuable insights and policy recommendations to address skill deficits, ensure sustainable employment for TVET graduates, and enhance economic development in developing nations..

Teaching without PowerPoint slides in engineering: A pilot study

Using PowerPoints slides (PPT) to deliver lectures has become the norm and common practice in academia over the last decade. Despite the benefits of PPT in providing smooth presentations and helping to prompt the presenter, the use of slides in engineering teaching has its own drawbacks. By using slides in teaching, the information will be provided in a discontinued and very abstract format. However, as a matter of fact, students mainly depend on lecturing slides in their learning and only use the slides to prepare for their exams. Students rarely read beyond what is given in the slides or refer to the reading list for more in-depth knowledge. This creates a gap in knowledge, affects the overall student experience and, to a certain level, affects graduate employment. In this paper, we review a pilot experiment to test a new teaching theme in engineering with no PPT slides. This was implemented for a Level 4 module, Mechatronics 1, which is a newly developed module in the Mechanical/Marine Engineering programmes at Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK. The outcome of this practice is evaluated with the focus on student views, assessment results, and overall assessment of this style of teaching.

Science students develop multiple employability literacies from large, early-year courses without employability modules

Concerns have been raised about the employability of Science graduates, however undergraduate Science curricula rarely focus on building employability. Our goal is to harness existing Science-focused curricula to improve Science graduate employability. In this study we asked whether students could identify learning of employability literacies from their experiences in undergraduate Science courses that do not explicitly teach employability literacies. To address these questions, we employed a short reflective activity in three large first year courses; these courses focused on scientific content and processes, and did not include employability modules. We asked students to choose an employability literacy from a menu and describe how components of the course prompted them to develop this literacy. Students chose a wide variety of literacies and linked their development to multiple aspects of their course experience. They also consistently indicated they had achieved multiple literacies from their course. Course coordinators highlighted the strength-based quality of the reflections, which differed from the usual course evaluation comments given by students. Coordinators who used the reflection activity in the first year were eager to continue in subsequent semesters and years. This mechanism gives students and staff the opportunity to understand the wide and varied opportunities for employability skill development that already exist in undergraduate Science courses. The approach does not require course teaching amendments or student skill-building instruction. This study shows that students can achieve multiple employability literacies from early-year courses, and raises new possibilities around how we can boost students’ understanding and development of their employability.

Integrating Career Readiness Competencies into Vocational Curriculum for Enhanced Graduate Employability: A Case Study of Selected Trade Areas in Namibia

This study explored the integration of career readiness competencies into vocational curriculum in Namibia to improve graduates' employability in key trade areas such as welding, joinery, clothing, bricklaying, hospitality, and information technology sectors. The research uses a quantitative descriptive case study method to gather data from vocational students and literature reviews. The study aims to identify the most valued career readiness competencies and assess the extent to which vocational education institutions are addressing them. The findings have implications for vocational education policy and practice, enhancing graduates' employability and economic development. It also contributes to the discussion on soft skills and career readiness in vocational education.

Assessment of the Economic Effectiveness of Academic Mobility on Graduate Employment

Assessment of the Economic Effectiveness of Academic Mobility on Graduate Employment

The effects of trainers’ competence on employability of government polytechnic college graduates in Dire Dawa City, east-central Ethiopia

The need for competent and qualified trainers is of paramount importance for an effective technical training system that, in turn, helps to produce competent and employable graduates for the country’s economy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of trainers' competence on the employability of polytechnic college graduates in Dire Dawa. The study employed a descriptive-correlational-explanatory research design with a quantitative research method. The sample for quantitative data consisted of 351 randomly selected graduates, trainees, trainers, and administrators. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that trainers’ competence was positively correlated with graduates' employability. Specifically, predictors such as knowledge-related competence, assessment-related competence, skill-related competence, and managerial competence were found to have significant and positive effects on the employability of polytechnic college graduates in Dire Dawa. Therefore, the study recommends that the Dire Dawa city Labour Skill and Technology Development Bureau and Polytechnic colleges should give greater emphasis on improving trainers’ competence, which in turn enhances the employability of graduates.

Perceived employability among master’s students in Hong Kong

PurposeMany master’s students enrol in coursework-based programmes to improve their professional knowledge and skills for the job market. Most studies of employability in higher education focus on undergraduates rather than master’s students, although the number of master’s students worldwide has increased significantly in recent years. This study explores the factors involved in the perceived employability (PE) of master’s students in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first proposed a conceptual model of PE based on the social cognitive career theory. Using survey data from 786 master’s students in Hong Kong, the authors applied descriptive statistics and an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to address the following research questions: How do master’s students gauge their PE? How do person, learning and environment variables influence the PE of master’s students?FindingsThe authors found that PE is influenced by students' approaches to learning and their institutional career support.Originality/valueFew studies examined whether students' learning experiences during the master’s programmes influence their employability. This study highlights the importance of learning experiences and career support in coursework-based master’s programmes for enhancing graduate employability.

Exploring the role of generic competencies in employability and academic performance of students of psychology

This paper analyses the relation between generic competencies of students of Psychology and their academic performance and employability. A sample of 43 students of Psychology in a Spanish university was used to measure their generic competencies, academic performance and employability. Correlational and regression tests were conducted to evaluate the relation between the variables. The generic competence ‘adhering to principles and values’ is positively related to employability, while the competencies ‘achieve results/client satisfaction’ and ‘socialise and create networks’ are positively related to academic performance. No significant relationship was found between academic performance and employability. Generic competencies favour both academic performance and employability. The competencies which influence only one of these aspects are different. Our research offers insights to teacher learning communities to engage in a profound reflection on the inclusion of methodologies that facilitate the development of competencies related to academic performance and those most in demand in the labour market within the field of Psychology. Generic competencies are essential part of the education of students of Psychology. These competencies are institutionally developed with the aim of orienting the education of psychologists towards their future professional practice. It is essential to understand how the development of generic competencies may facilitate academic performance and employability of graduates in Psychology.

How discipline shapes the meaning of value creation in higher education; implications for enterprise, entrepreneurship and employability.

This paper sets out the importance of teaching contextualized understandings of value within different disciplinary contexts in order to enhance employability and to foster greater levels of engagement with enterprise and entrepreneurship education.
 Key research has recognised the broader benefits of enterprise and entrepreneurship education, including that of developing graduate employability. Yet enterprise and entrepreneurship may not feel comfortable or relevant to students (EEUK, 2012; Henry, 2013). It has been identified that students can better relate to enterprise and entrepreneurship when it is contextualised in professions, sectors and communities of practice, moving away from a focus on venture creation and start up (Gibb, 2005). We argue that taking an approach which is explicitly based on value creation is a crucial driver of student engagement with enterprise and entrepreneurship education. This needs to be based in students’ individual values, embedded in their disciplines, and related to the communities of practice which as graduates they will go on to be part of. When grounded in the creation of value at an individual, disciplinary, and societal level, enterprise and entrepreneurship education can appeal to a wider constituency of students. In this paper, we discuss how value creation is understood in three diverse academic disciplines, Business, Biomedical Science and Music. Building on key research and drawing on our extensive practice as educators, we argue that explicitly foregrounding understandings of value within our different disciplinary contexts and developing appropriately contextualized, experiential forms of value creation-based pedagogy, is key to student engagement and enhances graduate employability.

Developing an English Language School Management Course: Curriculum Innovation and Entrepreneurial Opportunities at Universitas Negeri Makassar

This paper is based on a systematic literature review conducted to justify the introduction of a new course, 'English Language School Management' (ELSM), in the English Language Education Study Program (ELESP) at Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia. The literature review involved a detailed analysis of academic sources relevant to English language education and management, identifying gaps in current academic discourse and practical educational needs in the post-Covid-19 context. Prompted by the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka program, which necessitated curriculum revision, ELSM was developed. This course aims to provide ELESP students with critical insights into the operation and management of English language schools. These institutions are vital in non-formal education, as underutilized partners in teacher training programs, and as potential employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for graduates. The introduction of ELSM addresses a notable lack of focus on English language schools within Indonesian academic circles, despite their popularity and significant educational contributions. The development of this course is expected to enhance ELESP students' awareness of both the potential and challenges faced by English language schools, especially in the post-pandemic era.

Persepsi Mahasiswa Program Studi Ilmu Perpustakaan Di Lingkungan Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam Negeri (PTKIN) Tentang Prospek Kerja Lulusan

The aim of this research is to determine the extent to which library science study program students' perceptions of the knowledge of library science study program students in the PTKIN UINSU Medan and UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh environment regarding graduate employment prospects as well as factors inhibiting students' understanding of graduate employment prospects and student expectations science study program towards library science study program in the future, sometimes this department is considered to only function as a book compiler or server, which makes the library science department less interesting and not widely known to many people. This type of research is qualitative descriptive research. The data analysis technique in this research uses Miles & Huberman's qualitative data analysis technique, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The information obtained by researchers in data analysis is the result of observation, interviews and documentation. The number of informants from this research was 16 people, namely 9 students from UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh and 6 students from UINSU Medan. The informants were determined using a purposive sampling technique who had met the criteria for library science research subjects in the final semester of study program students and had join the department association. The results of this research indicate that the knowledge of students at these two universities regarding the job prospects of IP graduates is quite good. According to students, the most promising job prospects for library science graduates in society are to become librarians and archivists. Knowledge and obstacles in understanding graduate employment prospects are influenced by internal and external factors, internal is oneself while external factors are the surrounding environment. And students' hopes for the library science study program are to become a study program in their field of learning, practice will be much better in the future and support from the campus and government for library science graduates will be given more attention.

Unpacking mediation and moderating effect of digital literacy and life-career knowledge in the relationship between work-integrated learning and graduate employability

This research explores the impact of work-integrated learning (WIL) on graduate employability (GE) by examining the mediating role of digital literacy and the moderating role of life-career skills in the relationship between work-integrated learning and graduate employability. The study follows a correlational design and involves 375 students from the School of Health and Information Management at a tertiary education institution in Nigeria. The participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data was analysed using PLS-SEM through SmartPLS4 software. The constructs used in this study were validated through confirmatory factor analysis. The results revealed that work-integrated learning had a direct positive impact on graduate employability and an indirect positive effect through the mediating role of digital literacy skills. However, it was found that life-career skills did not moderate the relationship between work-integrated learning and graduate employability. The study highlights the importance of digital literacy skills for students' preparedness for future employment and proposes a research agenda on the reconceptualization and validation of the life-career scale.

Qualitative Inquiry into the Meanings of Higher Education:Implications for Developments in Education and Social Integration in Hong Kong in the Post-Covid-19 Period

The pursuit of equitable education is key to a government’s regulation and allocation of life-chances, which enables social integration. Yet, evidence of the diminishing returns of degrees and of the “skills mismatch” between higher education training and labour market requirements casts doubts on the role of higher educational institutions in facilitating social mobility. This paper draws upon the findings of 40 qualitative interviews with young people conducted in 2018 in Hong Kong to shed light on the micro-level processes in which higher education training is translated into graduate employment outcomes. Findings comparing two sets of higher education graduates’ interview narratives are presented. Assumptions of the logic of human capital theory are questioned from the “positional” and the “processual” perspectives on graduate employability. The discussion unpacks the meanings of “skills mismatch” and “graduate employability,” and foregrounds the assumptions of the differential values assigned to skills and knowledges of different kinds in the local higher education system. With the insights drawn, this paper concludes with a reflection on the relevance of higher education to our understanding of social mobility and social integration in post-Covid-19 Hong Kong.

A Study on the Implementation of Alternative Learning System among Public Schools in Region 3, Philippines

Alternative Learning Systems (ALS) provides practical options for any learners who finds success in completing education using his own phase. The problem statement relies on the evaluation of the current status and level of effectiveness of the delivery system of alternative learning system as assessed by teachers and student-respondents in Region 3. Descriptive survey was used to gather data using researcher-made questionnaire. Results revealed of a well- managed implementation of ALS in the region. The allotted funds to provide essential learning materials for teaching and assessment were utilized properly. Appropriate leadership skills and technical trainings were evident. Employ ability of graduates may be intensified through internship program. On current status, there is a significant difference between leadership and age of students. Regarding level of effectiveness, there is a significant difference between learning support and ALS program enrolled; assessment practices, age and employment status of the students; and A & E certification and students 26 years old and above. There is a significant relationship between allocation of funds to learning support and instructional materials in the delivery of alternative learning system in Region 3. This study suggested to intensify teaching approaches including the provision of internship programs most especially to ALS enrolled at elementary level.

Partnership of University Institutions with Industries and Graduates’ Employability in Cameroon: Case of Graduates of Technical and Professional Schools of the University of Ngaoundéré

Context: Graduate employability remains a global interest in this 21st century as workplace demands and economic sustainability are growing, changing, and driving new competencies and needs as well as the need for an innovative, flexible, and motivated workplace. The quality of university graduates is not only crucial to individual productivity but also to national productivity, economic growth, and development. This quality could be enhanced by effective collaboration between institutions of the university and the industry. Therefore, this study examines the influence of the quality of partnerships between university institutions and industries on the employability of graduates from technical and professional schools of the University of Ngaoundere. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted amongst graduates from the University of Ngaoundere recruited through snowball and purposive sampling. The data were analyzed by SPSS Software, Version 20, using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. Results: Findings revealed that the quality of the partnership between university institutions and industries strongly and significantly influences graduates’ employability (R2 =0.505, β=0.711, p<0.001). Conclusion: Therefore, the study recommends that effective educational policy and strategy should be adopted to improve graduates’ employability by focusing on improving collaboration and cooperation between university institutions and industries.

La Formación Universitaria En Ciencia De La Información En España Ante La Transformación Digital: reflexiones para el debate

The current situation of Information and Documentation (ID) programs in Spain is analyzed, from their creation less than four decades ago to their adaptation to the European Higher Education Area (EHES). The analysis is based on statistical data provided by the Government of Spain, the BBVA-IVIE Foundation and SEPE. The significant changes undergone by degrees are highlighed, both in their content and designations, as well as the influence of digital transformation and the reality of work on the training and skills of information professionals. It is also addressed the situation of postgraduate training and the employability of graduates. It is concluded that it is necessary to articulate a path that guarantees the permanence and solvency of the cycles of studies in university education, integrating research, knowledge transfer and interdisciplinarity.