Graduate Employability Research Articles

Supporting the Biomedical Science UG Project Research Journey Through Staff-Student Partnerships.

Introduction: Developing research skills enhances graduate attributes and student employability. The UG research project is coined the pedagogy of the 21st century but the diversity of supervisory styles is a source of student perceived inequality of experience. The goal of this study was to provide structure and support to undergraduate (UG) biomedical science research students and supervisors by co-creating research informed resources that are accessible, engaging and student centred. We asked 1) How do UG students experience research supervision? 2) What approaches do supervisors use to support UG project students? 3) How do students as partners benefit from being involved in pedagogical research? Materials and Methods: In Stage One, 3 UG student research partners co-developed questionnaires and followed these up with semi-structured interviews. Fifty two UG project students took part in an interactive poll and 14 supervisors answered a questionnaire. Seven students and 4 supervisors were interviewed. These were analysed by thematic analysis. In Stage Two, the questions were asked of UG project students (n = 79) via an interactive poll and the resource developed in Stage One was trialled with students (n = 68) and supervisors (n = 37). Results: The global theme identified was that students feel strongly that the student-supervisor relationship influences their experience, satisfaction and success. In all polls, >90% of students but <60% of supervisors agree that a good student/supervisor partnership has an effect on the success of the final project. A smaller percentage of students felt strongly that they were able to develop a successful partnership with their supervisor. We co-created a visual model and a list of discussion points of how the student-supervisor partnership can be developed, aimed at making supervision more effective whilst being non-prescriptive. Discussion: The resource can be easily adapted. Students believe it helped them to develop a staff-student partnership and supervisors commented that it helps to clarify roles and manage student expectations. This scalable project will support the practice of future UG biomedical science project research students and supervisors. Working with students as partners enabled the development of richer ideas whilst supporting their employability.

Developing a Model for Graduate Employability Transfer of Training

Developing a Model for Graduate Employability Transfer of Training

Dynamic interconnections between career engagement and perceived employability among recent graduates: a latent change score modeling approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine career engagement and perceived employability during the school-to-work transition. We studied within-person changes in career engagement and perceived employability in the transition from higher education to the labor market. We investigated their dynamic reciprocal relationship to unravel whether career engagement or perceived employability is the leading indicator in the relationship in view of providing adequate support for students during the school-to-work transition.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted latent change score (LCS) analyses on a three-wave sample of 701 graduates in Flanders (Belgium). We collected data in July (right before graduation), November and May. LCS is a novel method allowing to simultaneously test change and reciprocal relationships.FindingsOur findings demonstrated how both career engagement and perceived employability changed (within-person) non-linearly during the school-to-work transition. As for their relationship, we found that perceived employability is the driving force in the relationship. Perceived employability fueled subsequent positive changes in career engagement, whereas career engagement did not lead to subsequent changes in perceived employability.Originality/valueOur study connects the career development and the graduate employability literature, and examines the school-to-work transition from preparation for the labor market to ten months after graduation. We also make an important methodological contribution, demonstrating the added value of LCS for studying employability in higher education. Our findings provide insights in how higher education institutions may support students in the school-to-work transition.

An investigation of employer perceptions of Irish nutrition graduate competencies.

Undergraduate nutrition programmes prepare students and graduates for a wide range of employment opportunities. However, little is known about how employers perceive current nutrition education practices in Ireland and how well graduates are prepared for the realities of today's workforce. The present study aimed to explore employers' perspectives of nutrition placement students and graduates' competencies for the workforce. Interviews were conducted with 12 nutrition employers across Ireland and the UK who currently or have recently employed Irish nutrition graduates or supervised placement students. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Three themes were identified including: "adapting to modern workforce needs", "professional competency expectations" and "valuing competency-based educational and professional systems". Employers reported an overall positive experience with Irish nutrition placement students and graduates. They are perceived as adaptable, willing to learn and professional. Many felt nutrition students and graduates had received quality education with knowledge, skills and attitudes meeting expectations of nutrition education being provided but felt that students and graduates often lacked confidence in their abilities. Employers remarked that graduates who had undergone placements were better prepared for the professional work environment. However, gaps were identified because employers felt nutrition curricula lack training on business skills and digital competencies. Employers had a positive experience with Irish nutrition graduates and students and felt they were competent for the workforce. Addressing the gaps identified by employers to adapt curricula to modern workforce needs would further enhance graduate employability.

TALENT TRACK HUB

Talent Track Hub is a comprehensive web platform designed to streamline the college placement process by providing a centralized hub for students and administrators. The platform facilitates job postings, student registrations, and application management, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the placement process. Talent Track Hub is a dynamic and user-friendly website designed to streamline the college placement process, serving as a centralized platform for both administrators and students. The platform empowers college placement cells by providing a seamless interface for posting job opportunities, managing applications, and fostering effective communication between recruiters and students. Talent Track Hub aims to bridge the gap between recruiters and students, fostering a transparency and efficient placement process. By leveraging technology, this platform enhances collaboration, simplifies administration, and ensures that students are well-informed and prepared for the opportunities presented by prospective admin cell. Talent Track Hub represents a paradigm shift in college placement processes, offering a user-friendly and efficient platform that benefits both students and administrators. By centralizing job postings, simplifying application management, and facilitating communication, the platform empowers students to navigate their professional journeys with confidence. The Talent Track Hub allows colleges to post detailed information about upcoming placement drives, including company profiles, job descriptions, eligibility criteria, and schedules. This ensures that students have access to up-to- date information and can prepare adequately for recruitment processes. Additionally, the platform enables colleges to list the latest job openings, providing students with a comprehensive view of available opportunities in real-time. For placement officers, the Talent Track Hub offers tools to monitor and manage the placement process efficiently. They can track student participation, manage company engagements, and generate reports on placement statistics. This data-driven approach allows for better decision-making and continuous improvement of the placement strategy. Recruiters benefit from the Talent Track Hub by gaining access to a curated database of qualified candidates, making the hiring process more targeted and efficient. The platform supports seamless communication between recruiters and colleges, facilitating the coordination of placement events and interviews. By integrating all aspects of the placement process into a single platform, the Talent Track Hub aims to foster a more dynamic and responsive ecosystem for campus placements. It empowers students with better access to job opportunities, equips colleges with effective placement management tools, and provides recruiters with a reliable source of potential hires. Ultimately, the Talent Track Hub contributes to the overall development and employability of college graduates, paving the way for successful career beginnings.

Employability Study of BS in Business Administration Major in Financial Management Graduates of Notre Dame of Marbel University, South Cotabato, Philippines

This study was conducted to determine the status of employment of graduates of the BS in Business Administratssion major in Financial Management from school years 2017 to 2020, their level of preparation at Notre Dame of Marbel University, and their employability. Specifically, the study described the profile of graduates, their present employment, and employment history. The level of preparation was determined in terms of contribution of NDMU on preparation for work, competencies perceived to be useful in job, quality of learning gained on the following aspects of NDMU, and helpful support services of NDMU. The graduates’ level of satisfaction was also determined. Ultimately, the study determined the variable that influenced employability of graduates. The study used quantitative research design. The University was able to prepare the graduates holistically. They acquired skills necessary to perform their jobs well. In general, the graduates are very highly satisfied with their academic experience at NDMU and their student life in the University. Based on the findings of the study it was concluded that the employability of graduates of the BSBA FM program is high. This is evident in the high percentage of graduates employed in less than six months after graduation. The contribution of NDMU on preparation for work significantly influence the employability of graduates. Strengthening the curriculum to address the needs of the industry and ensuring that graduates are equipped with all necessary knowledge, skills, and holistic self-beliefs can increase the probability of being employed in less than six (6) months.

The Correlational Study of the Quality of Students Enrolled in the University and Employability of Graduates from Selected Universities in South-Western Uganda

The employability of university graduates is a concern for higher education stakeholders globally and Uganda is also concerned due to high unemployment rates post-graduation. Not much has been written about the relationship between quality of students enrolled in the university and their employability of graduates from selected Universities in South Western Uganda. This study aims to establish this relationship in selected universities in south western Uganda. A correlational study collected data from 512 participants, including graduates, employers, university lecturers, administrators, and officers from quality assurance directorate of national council for Higher Education. Data on students discipline, grades, performance and employability were collected. SPSS and Structural equation modelling (SEM) version 21 was used to analyse associations between predictor and outcome variables. The findings derived from conducting this research clearly demonstrate the presence of a significant statistical association between the quality of students enrolled in the university and employability of graduates at R= 0.589, R squared change 0.347, P =0.000 This suggests that by ensuring the quality of students enrolled in the University through discipline, students’ grades and performance increases the likelihood of producing graduates who are employable. It is very important that stakeholders in higher education make it a priority to keep a high standard of students and their moral fibre and this may facilitate their integration into the workforce.

Exploring the role and purpose of hospitality higher education under neo-liberalism: Perspectives from hospitality academics

This study aims to examine neo-liberalism and its ideological influences in the design and delivery of hospitality higher education in the United Kingdom. The study is underpinned by a qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews employed as the method for data collection, with thematic analysis as the method for data analysis. Fifty-five hospitality academics working in nine universities were interviewed regarding their perceptions of being a hospitality academic teaching hospitality-related subjects in higher education. Findings were explored and analysed in relation to the broader influence of neo-liberalism on higher education and three key themes emerged, which are: restrictive conception of hospitality as the commercial hotel sector, issue of academic identity, and corporatized institutional leadership. Under the backdrop of neo-liberalism, the higher education sector has prioritized graduate employability as one of its primary responsibilities. Subsequently, hospitality higher education is predominantly viewed akin to a form of professional training programme for the commercial hotel sector, and being a hospitality academic is mainly perceived as an industry mentor, educating students with industry-relevant skills and professional practices. Institutionally, the increasing corporatization of higher education has created an environment which hospitality programmes are positioned to satisfy market demands and secure student recruitment. Informed by these findings, the current study draws the conclusion that there is a strong presence of the neo-liberal ideology reinforcing a vocational ‘filter’ on the design and delivery of hospitality higher education, which legitimizes certain educational values and practices while neglecting and undermining others. This article proposes that greater interdisciplinary engagement with other academic subjects, more recruitment of academics with a broader understanding of hospitality, and institutional leadership that appreciates and encourages alternative pedagogical approaches, are keys to creating possibilities to incorporate a more critical and humanistic underpinning in the academic development of hospitality.

Strategic Management for Enhancing Employment of Vocational High School Graduates in The World of Business, Industry and Work

Strategic Management for Enhancing Employment of Vocational High School Graduates in The World of Business, Industry and Work

International student mobility in diagnostic radiography: Benefits and pitfalls

IntroductionInternational student mobility (ISM) is increasingly utilised in higher education to allow students the opportunity to engage authentically with cultures outside their own, providing an opportunity for self-growth. These growth opportunities often extend skills such as cultural competency, academic learning and self-efficacy, all of which are important skills for diagnostic radiography graduates. This study explores the motivations, benefits and pitfalls of an ISM program and highlights key considerations for academics considering organising a program within their own university. MethodsThis study utilised a combination of individual and small group interviews to collect data about diagnostic radiography students’ motivations, perceived benefits and pitfalls of undertaking ISM. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and overarching themes were developed. Results and discussionThree themes were developed from the data, challenges and uncertainty, personal growth, and support. Participants undertaking ISM faced challenges such as cultural differences, as well as feelings of uncertainty. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of organisation in mitigating these challenges. Despite the challenges faced, participants reported significant personal growth and success as a result of the program, integral to this success was the support of their peers and academic advisors. ConclusionISM programs may lead to enhanced employability of diagnostic radiography graduates, with integral skills such as teamwork, communication cultural competence being enhanced in participants. The role of support during ISM is integral to the success of the program. It is imperative for academics organising ISM programs at their institutions to deliberately consider the way in which radiography students are supported both before and during the program to enhance the experience and ensure outcomes are maximised.

Navigating graduate employability and job market expectations in Hong Kong amidst and beyond the global pandemic

ABSTRACT The protracted COVID-19 pandemic has exerted considerable pressure on the employability landscape. Even when the global economy continues to recover gradually after the pandemic, many challenges remain, and it is too early to celebrate. This research adopts a mixed-method approach. A questionnaire survey (n = 151) and focus group interviews (n = 18) were conducted during the pandemic in Hong Kong to examine final-year students’ perceived impacts of social vulnerability and economic atmosphere on their career prospects and level of confidence in entering the job market. Quantitative and qualitative research findings supported each other and revealed that students were generally pessimistic about obtaining job opportunities after graduation. To have a deeper understanding of the effects of external factors on students’ job confidence in the post-pandemic times, the focus group was conducted (n = 20) with a new batch of graduating students who are about to seek full-time employment in the post-pandemic period. Findings showed an increase in their employability confidence level from during-pandemic to post-pandemic. Therefore, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the relevant factors that affect the graduates’ employability confidence level and understanding the job market expectations to consider possible intervention programmes conducive to graduate employability at higher education institutions.

Personal Attributes and Emotional Intelligence on Employability among Graduate Employees in SMEs: An Empirical Study in Selangor, Malaysia

Personal Attributes and Emotional Intelligence on Employability among Graduate Employees in SMEs: An Empirical Study in Selangor, Malaysia

Me in a Minute

Graduates require evidence of employability beyond marks and grades to differentiate themselves in the highly competitive labour market. Universities cannot guarantee employment, but they can engage students in learning and recognise achievement that is relevant to employment. Here, we share preliminary insights from interviews investigating student perceptions of an extra-curricular video strategy designed to develop and showcase graduate employability. The Me in a Minute video strategy provides students with support to film a one minute video pitch aimed at potential employers. Student perceptions of the strategy suggest that in addition to providing an individualised artefact that can be used to showcase achievement, the strategy engages students in reflection that helps them to better understand and articulate evidence of their achievements relevant to employment. Furthermore, students value the learning associated with pitching, more than the video itself.

An approach towards total quality in architectural education in India track: higher education (architecture education)

Architecture Education is a service and product, which demands, quality delivery to meet the expectations of stakeholders. Architecture Education in India is over 100 years old, and the focus of higher education in India post-independence has been on addressing the demand for skilled professionals required for a developing nation. Over the years the emphasis on quantity has impacted the quality of graduates and there is a need for a quality framework for better delivery to all the stakeholders and to produce more employable graduates. Quality imperatives are critical to all contemporary societies which demand a better quality of life through holistic built environments across the globe delivered through professionals having the skill set to meet societal aspirations There is an increasing demand for trained professionals given the tremendous growth in the physical infrastructure in urban and rural areas particularly the current shortfall in the housing sector besides other tertiary sectors of the economy. The paper addresses the issues about architectural education as mandated through statutory processes prescribed by the Council of Architecture, New India’s Minimum Standards of Architectural Education in India, and the New Education Policy -2020 of the Government of India. The research process adopted identifies the gaps in the current system of education through content and perception analysis through interviews and expert opinions and suggests methodologies that can transform the current processes through an understanding of total quality principles and their application to the higher education sector. The paper evaluates various aspects of architectural education such as institutional mechanisms, the process of admission, curricula structure, pedagogy, teaching-learning processes, scheme of examinations, faculty selection process, and their growth through the perspective of total quality parameters for the service sector. The paper attempts to suggest an approach towards Total Quality in Architectural Education in India driven by quality and research, relevant to the socio-economic, cultural, and physical context of the developing economies in the 21st Century.

Artificial intelligence and graduate employability: What should we teach Generation AI?

Artificial intelligence and graduate employability: What should we teach Generation AI?

A TRACER STUDY ON THE SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR IN FILIPINO GRADUATES FROM ACADEMIC YEAR 2022 TO 2023: EMPLOYMENT IN FOCUS

This tracer study was conducted to assess the employment rates and employability of graduates who completed the Bachelor of Secondary Education-Filipino program from the years 2022 to 2023 at a local college in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Additionally, it aimed to identify the graduates attitudes towards work, evaluate the quality of education provided by the institution, and analyze the development of graduates skills and abilities. The study employed a descriptive research method, gathering data from 47 respondents through an online survey using Google Forms. Survey showed that the employment rate of secondary education- major in Filipino graduates was 72.3% of which 38.3% is working as teachers. Further, as to those whose work is non-teaching, 10.6% is working in call center agencies, 6.4% is working as office-based clerk, 4.3% are government employee, 2.1% as kitchen manager, 6.4% as sales associate, 2.1% as events manager, and another 2.1% as storekeeper. Then, 8.5% are regular employees, 6.4% are self-employed, 31.9% are full-time employees, 4.3% are on job order, 19.1% are working on contractual basis, and 2.1% is working on part-time but seeking full-time employment. Meanwhile, surveyed showed that there are only 10.6% who pursued further graduate studies. The level of attitude to work, quality education provisions of the institution as well as skills and abilities development obtained a very high descriptive rating which means that the secondary education- major in Filipino graduates always manifested the said behaviors. Results showed that secondary education- major in Filipino faces unemployment. Thus, it is advisable for the school to appoint a graduate employability coordinator. This individual would be tasked with tracking and overseeing graduates employment statuses, as well as organizing online forums to disseminate information regarding various job vacancies and opportunities available for application.

Blocked out: reflections on the potential of intensive modes of teaching to enhance post-COVID-19 graduate employability in large-scale educational settings

PurposeThis paper explores the potential that block teaching offers to enhance employability in the context of large-scale classes. It suggests that block teaching, with its condensed structure, necessitates curriculum innovation, fosters participatory learning and peer-to-peer networking, and has been shown to increase student focus and enhance engagement and attainment, especially amongst diverse learners. As these are the same challenges that large-scale teaching faces, it is proposed that intensive modes of delivery could be scaled up in a way that may help to mitigate such problems as cohorts in business schools continue to increase in size.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on secondary research and provides an overview of literature that looks at block teaching, followed by that which explores the challenges of large-scale teaching contexts. It compares and contrasts the gaps in both to suggest a way that they could be combined.FindingsThe paper provides key insights into changes in the contemporary landscape of teaching within UK business schools, which have seen increasingly large cohorts and draws out the key strengths of intensive modes of delivery, which include helping students to time manage effectively, encouraging curriculum innovation and the creation of participatory learning opportunities as well as providing closer personal relationships between students and staff. Outlining some of the well-documented issues that can arise when teaching larger cohorts, the paper suggests that scaling up blocked delivery may offer a new way help to overcome them.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results are subject to generalisation. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions in large-scale teaching scenarios.Practical implicationsThis paper includes implications for the development of innovative modes of teaching in the context of large cohorts, an experience that is increasingly common amongst British business schools and beyond.Originality/valueThis paper brings together two bodies of literature for the first time – that of intensive modes of teaching and that focuses on large-scale teaching contexts – for the first time to show how the former may help to overcome some of the key issues arising in the latter.

Exploration of Factors Influencing Slow Employment

This article focuses on the causes and characteristics of the phenomenon of "slow employment" of college graduates and its far-reaching impact on individuals and society in the context of current social and economic development. Through a review of relevant literature and theoretical research, the article outlines the definition of "slow employment", i.e., the state in which some graduates, after completing their studies, choose to further their studies, internships, travels or other non-employment activities, or fail to find a suitable job for a long period of time.It is found that the phenomenon of "slow employment" is the result of multiple factors, such as the popularization of higher education, changes in the job market and personal values. The article constructs a research model, and through questionnaire survey and data analysis, explores the influence of individual perceived behavioral control, prior and posterior social capital, and educational environment on the willingness of "slow employment". The results show that factors such as personal behavioral control, family background, educational experience and social network affect graduates' employment choice and speed to different degrees.Eventually, the article puts forward a series of targeted solution strategies, including strengthening the employment guidance services of colleges and universities, optimizing the educational environment, and enhancing the individual's career planning ability, aiming to provide support for the smooth employment of college graduates, and at the same time, provide a scientific basis for the government and colleges and universities to formulate the employment policy, in order to promote the stable development of the social economy.

Investigating the relationships among the forced shift to remote learning, employability and work readiness of recent college graduates

Investigating the relationships among the forced shift to remote learning, employability and work readiness of recent college graduates

Enhancing employability through university-industry linkages: Omani engineering students’ perspectives of the Eidaad internship programme

Like many Middle East and North Africa countries, one of the main socio-economic challenges facing Oman is the creation of meaningful graduate employment opportunities. A combination of factors that include the gap between the expertise and skills acquired in higher education and workforce requirements means many students struggle to find suitable jobs upon graduation. Consequently, providing quality education and developing national talents are key objectives of the country’s Vision 2040 development roadmap. Higher levels of cooperation between tertiary institutions and industry within the framework of government policy are necessary to achieve these outcomes. This study explores undergraduate engineering student perceptions of one example of this collaboration – the Eidaad internship programme. To better understand interns’ perceptions of the programme’s personal and professional benefit across targeted areas and means for further improvement, a three-part on-line questionnaire was administered to current and former programme participants. Results indicate overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the programme, including in terms of enhancing interns’ teamwork skills, workplace participation, communication skills, clarity of career plans and objectives, and so on. Participant suggestions for improvement include the creation of concrete employment pathways and the provision of further on-the-job training opportunities. Implications for the Eidaad and similar internship programmes are discussed.