Enhancing Graduate Employability Research Articles

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.

Employability skills among work ready professionals in higher education: mapping the field through bibliometric analysis with R studio

PurposeThe current study intends to synthesise the prior studies on employability skills among work-ready professionals in higher education through bibliometric and network visualisation tools. This study also identifies the gaps in the existing literature that still need to be filled and maps the course for future investigation.Design/methodology/approachThe current study examined research papers on employability skills among work-ready professionals in higher education to evaluate global patterns and the top authors, institutions, journals, and nations contributing to this field. The authors analysed eight hundred eighty-five papers from the Scopus database between 1982 and 2023 for the study. Open-source bibliometric tools like Biblioshiny were used in the study to examine the body of literature and to spot new directions for future research.FindingsThe study’s findings indicate that since 2008, researchers, academics, and policymakers have paid more attention to employability skills among work-ready professionals, and 2019 is the year seeing the highest no. of publications. Across the globe, 2077 authors contributed to the articles, papers, and journals published in the particular domain. Regarding location, the United Kingdom is the world’s most productive nation, with 342 articles produced. Similarly, Australia, India, and Malaysia are the leading nations that have contributed to the field. Both keywords significantly contribute to scientific knowledge.Practical implicationsThe gaps in this study will serve as a reference point for researchers conducting future studies in this field. Additionally, the result of this analysis offers a roadmap for higher education to enhance graduate employability by embedding necessary skills into them.Originality/valueThere has not been a bibliometric analysis concerning employability skills among Work-ready professionals in the existing literature; hence, this article is innovative. This study is the first attempt at integrating the concept. The study also gives an overview of potential directions for future research in this discipline.

Enhancing graduate employability – exploring the influence of experiential simulation learning on life skill development

ABSTRACT Skills and knowledge which increase the likelihood of university graduates finding employment is an increasingly important factor for higher education institutions. Even though subject matter expertise remains a primary objective, supporting students to build life skills that are desired by employers is essential to enhance graduate employability. Firstly, we draw on consultive interviews with 11 graduate recruiters to build a life skill ability scale. Through these interviews, we identify two constructs worth measuring (resilience and adaptability) not yet represented in extant life skill ability scales. Thereby contributing to life skills measures and their link to graduate employability. Secondly, this paper explores the influence of a team-based business simulation on the development of life skills at two higher education institutions in the UK for first- and fourth-year undergraduate students. Through a pre-survey and post-survey, this paper empirically finds that experiential learning by means of a team-based business simulation has an overwhelmingly positive influence on first-year students’ self-assessed life skill development as well as their course-specific subject matter expertise. Yet, the findings show less significant results for fourth-year students. This contributes to our understanding of business simulations as a pedagogical practice and its benefits for students beyond their education.

The nexus of work integrated learning and skills among engineering students in Nigerian Universities: A structural equation model approach

Higher education providers have redefined their focus to include work-integrated learning (WIL) as an alternative way to prepare graduates for professional and future employment. Although WIL was designed to enhance graduates' work readiness, there is little evidence that the program supports the development of behavioural and employability competencies among participating students. Thus, this study aims to predict the effect of WIL through the partial least square path model on seven employability competencies. The sample consisted of 375 final-year engineering students from two Nigerian universities who had participated in a WIL program. A two-stage composite-based structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. The average variance extracted and Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio were used to establish the validity and reliability of the instruments. A structural model was used to test the hypothetical constructs' relationship and level of significance. The findings supported all hypothesized direct relationships that WIL enhances graduate employability skills. The study concludes that WIL has immense benefits for students, including developing employability skills (i.e., Analytical, adaptability, communication, fundamental, ICT, interpersonal, and 4IR skillsets) for future employment. Consequently, it was recommended that higher education providers strengthen and establish frameworks for effective work-integrated learning program to enhance graduate employability.

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.

Impact of Community Service on the Communication skills of Business Graduates

Introduction: This research aims to investigate the impact of community service on the communication skills of business graduates. Community service involves voluntary work aimed at assisting people in specific situations. The study focuses on business students with prior community service experience from a private-sector business school. Engaging in community service not only improved communication skills but also fostered interpersonal development, enhancing social, ethical, and productivity attributes, making graduates more competent for potential employment opportunities. Methodology: The research employed a quantitative approach, utilizing self-administered questionnaires to collect data from business students with prior community service experience. Two questionnaires were designed based on literature review findings, capturing perspectives from both students and organizations. Close-ended questions facilitated data analysis. Questionnaire 1 targeted 100 respondents, while Questionnaire 2 targeted 50. Data analysis focused on identifying the impact of community service on communication skills enhancement among business graduates. Results/Findings: Analysis of the collected data revealed a significant positive impact of community service on the communication skills of business graduates. Both questionnaires indicated that engagement in community service led to enhanced communication skills, interpersonal development, and increased social, ethical, and productivity attributes among graduates. Future Direction: Future research could explore the long-term effects of community service on the career trajectories and success of business graduates. Additionally, qualitative studies could provide deeper insights into the mechanisms through which community service influences communication skills development and overall professional competencies among graduates. Furthermore, comparative studies across different educational institutions and industries could offer broader perspectives on the role of community service in enhancing graduate employability and workplace readiness.

Challenges in Reforming University Curricula for Graduate Employability: Head of Academic Departments Perspective

This paper delves into the multifaceted roles of Heads of Academic Departments (HoDs) and their intricate challenges in overhauling their units' curricula to enhance graduate employability within a university college in Uganda. Originating from persistent complaints by employers and stakeholders regarding the perceived deficiency in employable skills among university graduates despite multiple curricular revisions, the study employed a qualitative methodology, gathering data from four purposefully selected HoDs through in-depth interviews. The study's findings revealed divergent interpretations of graduate employability among participants, ranging from possessing employable skills to a student's ability to complete their study programme and secure gainful employment. Additionally, participants disclosed strategies for enabling curriculum revisions, involving, and motivating stakeholders, providing effective leadership, and offering essential information and support to their staff during the curriculum review and development process. However, the study identifies several challenges participants face in revising their units' curricula, including limited stakeholder cooperation, rapidly changing societal needs, and a shortage of funds for the curriculum review and development process. Consequently, the study concludes that while HoDs are committed to reforming university curricula to promote graduate employability, their efforts are hampered by various challenges, necessitating increased institutional support to enhance their capacity to improve graduate employability effectively

Elevating Employability: Analysing English Curriculum for Military Aviation Officers

Adequate English communication is vital for professional success, particularly in the aviation industry. As universities strive to enhance graduate employability, it is imperative to equip future employees with the necessary linguistic abilities to navigate the challenges and achieve organizational objectives within the workforce. One critical avenue for achieving this objective is the meticulous design of English language syllabi. The primary aim of this research, conducted in Malaysia, is to investigate feedback from aviation military officers former students of a defence university, regarding the existing English language curriculum and to identify their specific requirements for these courses. The study addresses two key questions: 1) Feedback on the existing English courses for military aviation officers, and 2) The English language requirements of military aviation officers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight military aviation officers nationwide using a qualitative research method. These interviews were conducted online due to pandemic-related restrictions, with each participant interviewed individually. The study’s main findings emphasize the significant role of English language proficiency in the aviation profession. Participants highlighted the critical need for improved curriculum designs, focusing on accent and jargon mastery. These insights underscore the urgency of refining the current English language courses to better address the specific language requirements of military aviation officers, thereby promoting their sustainable employment. In conclusion, this research provides valuable recommendations for curriculum enhancement and analyses future research in English language instruction. Emphasizing the critical role of English language skills in the aviation industry contributes to creating more effective and tailored English classrooms in the aviation sector and beyond. This study ultimately advances the broader goal of enhancing graduate employability in aviation.

Recognising the value of non-professional part-time work in assessing graduate employability: A challenge to employers

Enhancing graduate employability is an increasing focus within higher education, however, although part-time work is a majority experience for students the skills gained through non-professional employment are often treated as having limited value in constructions of graduate employability. This paper engages in dialogue with a series of viewpoint and research articles in this journal advocating the accreditation of this work by higher education institutions to increase its influence in graduate recruitment. Specifically, these articles challenge students to improve their employability by reflecting on and documenting their part-time work experiences in support of this accreditation approach. In doing so, it is assumed employers will value this work experience and that such accreditation will improve graduates’ employment prospects. In response, reflecting on a study of Australian business students ( N = 92), this paper highlights tensions associated with students’ part-time work and the perceived employability-enhancing value of what is typically characterised by employers as non-relevant, and therefore non-valuable, work experience. The paper concludes by suggesting that shifting the challenge for recognising the value of non-professional work experience away from students and universities and toward industry and employers is more likely to yield improved graduate employment results for students transitioning from education to graduate employment.

ENHANCING GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY IN THE MALAYSIAN CAPITAL MARKET

Higher education today has expanded and become more complex, where numerous degrees, training programs, and fields of study are offered. Additionally, the dynamic labour market has transformed remarkably, resulting in intense employment among graduates. The notion of graduate employability is becoming an increasingly important global issue. Employers now look for individual factors such as attitude, behaviours, and skills. Therefore, universities have gradually moved their focus on enhancing graduate employability. This paper examines how far the graduate employability program has achieved its target. The program involved 93 graduates of 2021 and 2022 from various local public universities taking the SCLE Modules 6 and 7 professional exams. The participants were required to attend a course and take an examination in this program. Sitting the Module 6 and 7 exams will enable the participants to get the professional license as Capital Market Service Representative License (CMSRL) through capital market participating organizations. The program started in June 2022 with four days of lectures from the industry, followed by six days of tutorial sessions, and finally sitting the exams in August 2022. Collaboration between university and industry can achieve the mission of bridging the academics ivory tower and industry labour market with the required skills.

The built environment craftmanship in higher education institutions: issues and prospects from stakeholders' perception

PurposeNigeria has one of the highest graduate unemployment rates in Africa, and there is no comprehensive policy framework to address it. Evidence shows that integrating craftsmanship into higher education academic programmes can enhance graduate employability. Therefore, there is a need to integrate it into the built environment programmes at institutions in Nigeria. The built environment craftmanship (BEC) in Nigeria's HEIs may have had some challenges, although studies about these challenges are scarce. In this regard, the study investigated BEC's perceived encumbrances and proffered measures to integrate craftsmanship skills in Nigerian HEIs built environment programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a qualitative research design using a virtual interview approach to solicit data from 34 experts across Nigeria. An exploratory approach was used to engage selected HEIs in Nigeria and thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the collected data, and saturation was achieved.FindingsThe study findings indicate that integrating BEC in built environment programmes will enhance graduate employment. However, possible encumbrances like institutional frameworks, funding, infrastructural development and pedagogical and social-cultural issues were found to be affecting BEC's integration into built environment programmes at higher education in Nigeria.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should explore more detailed large-scale investigations about integrating craftsmanship into higher education institution (HEI) programmes.Originality/valueGiven the dearth of pragmatic studies on the built environment graduates' unemployment in Nigeria, this research contributes to the academic community debates on reducing graduates' unemployment via BEC in HEIs.

Reality checked? Conceptualising the relationship between work experience, abroad experience and university students' work value preferences

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the degree of variance in work value preferences espoused by university students based on whether the students are in possession of work experience and experience abroad. Vocational identity development (VID) was used as a theoretical lens to explore the extent to which being in possession of experience in these two areas shapes vocational identity.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire (n = 1,188) was employed to measure the relative salience for 8 latent work values constructs and 25 individual-level work values. Respondents were classified into two groups based on work experience and abroad experience, and the differences in work value preferences between these groups were explored.FindingsThe authors' comparison of sample groups revealed that respondents without experience abroad attached significantly greater importance to specific work values (e.g. stability, extrinsic motivation and leisure) than those with sojourner experience. The relative salience of specific work values (e.g. altruistic and extrinsic motivation) was found to be significantly greater for respondents without work experience than those with such experience, however, not to the extent of abroad experience. VID as a theoretical framework was found to be valuable in conceptualising how work value preferences appear to be the outcome of a process of co-construction between an individual and his environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe reasons as to how and why changes in work value salience occur cannot be conclusively established due to the exploratory nature and conceptual design of the present study.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest work and abroad experience play a pivotal role in shaping respondents' work values and, more generally, the VID. This reinforces the need for cooperation between higher education and industry to provide experiential learning opportunities and career guidance to enhance graduate employability and contribute to long-term engagement of talent in tight labour markets.Originality/valueThe value of these findings is that the findings contribute to greater conceptual understanding of the relationship between work experience, abroad experience and work value preferences. This is particularly relevant to academic staff and curriculum developers at a tertiary level in preparing and guiding university students in their interactions with professional practice.

Inviting students to talk the talk: developing employability skills in accounting education through industry-led experiences

ABSTRACT Universities are increasingly focused on preparing graduates with strong disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills to increase student employability. In accounting education however, the development of employability skills remains a concern among graduates and employers. One strategy for enhancing employability is to engage students in industry-based experiences through work-integrated learning (WIL). This paper introduces a novel, industry-led WIL experience embedded in an Australian university’s accounting and financial planning curriculum and investigates students’ perceptions of employability skills developed through this intervention. In this WIL experience, industry professionals workshopped multidisciplinary skills and provided feedback to students following a simulated work-based scenario. Data was analysed from student surveys and reflections and showed that students perceived this approach as effective for developing employability skills such as teamwork and communication and for aligning theory to praxis. This paper supports endorsing alternative WIL models and industry collaborations in accounting education to enhance graduate employability skills.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) as a part of quality education in architecture: the profession's perspective

PurposeThis research argues that architecture knowledge is fragmented between the profession and academia as evidenced by long-standing conflicting opinions regarding desirable graduate attributes. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is one mode of education where these fragments should come together. This research seeks to address a missing part of that WIL model and understand the profession's view of what constitutes quality education as a United Nations (UN) Sustainability Development Goal (SDG).Design/methodology/approachUtilising a three round Delphi survey of the architecture profession engaged in WIL programs, this study reports on their perspectives of the key benefits and attributes of WIL and the value of WIL experiences as part of a quality higher education system.FindingsThe architecture profession confirmed the value of WIL programs as contributing to students developing an understanding of workplace culture and contexts. There was strong agreement that WIL experiences can be a valuable part of a quality education and enhance graduate employability. Challenges for practice included semester-based program timing, the length of engagement with practice and the lack of WIL program guidance by universities to prepare the profession for WIL experiences.Originality/valueWhile WIL has been extensively researched over the last decade, it is limited in the architecture discipline. Survey findings address the research gap in understanding the architecture profession's views as a key WIL stakeholder which is important given the rapidly changing practice environments, globalisation and the increasingly transdisciplinary context.

A Framework to Enhance Graduate Employability

Aim/Purpose: Alignment of academic curricula and employer needs is widely discussed yet implementation lags. Research on EdD curricula has universality for other academic programs and may catalyze pedagogical innovation to promote employability in other disciplines. Background: This study contributes evidence-based data to strengthen career relevance of academic programs, align curriculum content with industry requirements, prepare students for the workforce, and improve job placement rates, defined as degree-related employment. Methodology: In this mixed method study, current Doctor of Education (EdD) students and employers of Doctor of Education (EdD) graduates commented on the alignment of the EdD curriculum with industry-specific needs. Contribution: Results may promote corporate and academic partnership to optimize alignment of curricula and industry needs. Findings: Partnerships between educators and employers in developing curricula can bridge the industry specific skills gap and enhance students’ understanding of the professional workplace and capacity to communicate, be empathetic, and solve problems. Recommendations for Practitioners: Educators can strengthen capacity for the adaptability and continuous learning associated with mastering new skills as technology evolves. Employers can provide skilling, reskilling, and upskilling opportunities, offer job shadowing and internships, and participate in collaborative research. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers can develop pedagogy targeting interpersonal, communication, participative, and organizational competencies. Impact on Society: Improving graduate employability creates positive outcomes for graduates, educators, employers, and the global economy. Future Research: Perceived employability is a powerful motivator. Research is needed to reframe curricula to synthesize discipline-specific skills with generic skills, such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, that enhance students’ self-confidence and self-perceptions of employability

Employer collaboration in developing graduate employability: a pilot study in Ireland

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on student work readiness outcomes of collaboration with employers in developing and delivering tailored graduate employability workshops in socio-emotional skills for work (SES4Work).Design/methodology/approachFramed by the CareerEDGE model of graduate employability, the authors piloted a five-session module for near graduates in five disciplines. The research included an online employer survey (n = 128), employer interviews (n = 21) and tailored workshops for near graduates, culminating in a mock competency-based interview. Using a pre/post-test design, participants (n = 24) also completed the CareerEDGE Employability Development Profile (EDP) and the Trait Emotional Intelligence questionnaire (TEIque).FindingsAfter completing the module, there was a statistically significant improvement in participant scores on the CareerEDGE EDP +12.3%, p < 0.001, effect size (Cohen's d) 0.89, large, and the TEIque +6.4%, p = 0.009, effect size (Cohen's d) 0.61, moderate. Furthermore, 70% (n = 17) of participants were “hired” based on their mock interviews, with 12% (n = 4) offered employer connections after graduation.Originality/valueThis is the first academic research in Ireland to develop and evaluate an enterprise-collaborative, discipline-specific module for enhancing graduate employability. Findings suggest that employer collaboration can enhance the efficacy of employability interventions and therefore merits further research.

Impact of work-integrated learning and co-curricular activities on graduate labour force outcomes

ABSTRACT The explicit linking of institutional funding to in-curricular industry engagement and graduate employment affirms the strategic importance of enhancing graduate employability in Australia. Key strategies to enhance graduate employability and employment outcomes are work-integrated learning (WIL) (where students engage with industry as part of their formal learning and assessment) and co-curricular activities (e.g. volunteering, leadership/award, and mentoring programmes), which are facilitated by the university but not embedded into curricula. While WIL is widely recognised for enhancing different aspects of student employability, the impact of co-curricular activities is less well-known. Further, there is a lack of empirical analysis on the nuanced impact of different forms of WIL and co-curricular activities on graduate outcomes. This research sought to explore the impact of a range of WIL and co-curricular activities on labour force outcomes among new higher education graduates. Findings are informed by national survey data for 51,883 domestic graduates of both coursework and research degrees in Australia. They point to a strong labour market advantage from work-based WIL for Bachelor graduates, while undergraduate participation in co-curricular activities appeared to have less effect on labour force outcomes. However, there were consistent, positive results for industry mentoring and leadership/award programmes for increasing the chances of securing full-time work and reducing the likelihood of perceived overqualification among Bachelor and postgraduate coursework graduates. Implications for stakeholders and practice are discussed, as well as directions for future research.

‘You can be taken more seriously’: Finnish business graduates’ perceptions of the employability and social prestige of their degrees

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the university graduates’ perceptions of their employability, and particularly how the social prestige of degrees relates to such perceptions. It defines employability in terms of positional conflict and makes an argument that perceptions of the employability and prestige are socially mediated and require social recognition; therefore, this study is drawing on current theories on social valuing and the social construction of prestige, which is a novel approach in the field of employability research. Based on 48 graduate interviews, this study aims to investigate how recent graduates themselves interpret rank differences and the social standing of their own degrees. The focus is on business degrees from Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences. Our findings demonstrate how graduates mobilise various valuation criteria, such as (1) the formal level of a degree (bachelor’s or master’s level), (2) selectivity of degree programmes, (3) orientation of studies, and (4) work-readiness. Moreover, graduates assign commonly shared values and beliefs within these criteria. The results contribute to a growing scholarly interest not only in studying established rank orders but also in focussing on the social aspects of valuation which create stratification. Overall, the theory and findings of this study suggest a need to focus on the meaning patterns and social valuation in the future research on employability. It is important for universities, employers and policymakers to understand how the processes of prestige accumulation enhance graduate employability and (re)produce societal and occupational inequalities.

How fourth industrial revolution skillsets mediate the relationship between work integrated learning, graduate employability, and future job

The emerging work context of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has increased the industry's calls for future-capable graduates who can demonstrate digital literacy and innovation knowledge, and other behavioural competencies for employability. Gaps between work integrated learning (WIL) and 4IR competencies in driving graduates' transition to the employment of the future exist in the literature. With a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach, this study examines the nexus between WIL, graduate employability, and future job. It further examines whether 4IR skillsets can boost (mediate) the effectiveness of WIL in enhancing graduate employability. With a correlational non-experimental research design, 375 engineering students from two universities in Nigeria were sampled. A composite-based SEM, comprising measurement and structural assessment model, was used to test the hypothesized model, implemented in SmartPLS software version 3.3.3. The instrument's validity and reliability were established through hetero trait – Mono trait ratio and average variance extracted. The structural model analysis rejected three hypotheses, testing direct relationships between WIL, graduate employability, and future job. Findings showed that WIL had a positive and significant relationship with graduate employability, 4IR skillset, and future job. It was established, that the 4IR skillset plays a considerable role and positively mediates the relationship between WIL and graduate employability. The study offers important insights on WIL as a strategy for developing graduate employability to prepare students for employment in the digital era

Public-Private-Partnership for Effective Delivery of Technical Vocational Education in Enhancing Graduate Employability Skills During The Era of Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

The study investigates public-private partnerships for enhancing TVE delivery towards graduate employability skills during COVID-19. A survey research design was employed. Three research questions and three null hypotheses, tested. Significance level of 05%, the respondents consisted of 139 human resources managers and TVE lecturers. Data was obtained using a structured questionnaire. The reliability coefficient of the instrument yields α = .76, Using Cronbach Alpha. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions, independent sample t-test was employed to test null hypotheses. Findings revealed: Training resources such as an online library, interactive multimedia, digital textbooks and internet connectivity are essentials. No significant difference in the mean responses of respondents regarding the private sector's innovative roles in improving training resources in enhancing effective TVE delivery towards developing graduates employability skills during and post COVID-19. It was recommended that private sectors should be involved in the training of TVE graduates by identifying demand for skills, feeding into curricula development, monitoring and evaluation activities; TVE lecturers should offer quality and effective teaching and learning that will facilitate and promote employability skills.