Job Acquisition Research Articles

Identifying Professional Goals and Promoting Career Development in Nursing Students Through Reflection and Simulation.

Career planning is an important but often neglected component of a nursing program curriculum. To increase retention and encourage professional advancement at the school of nursing of a large, public university in the Northeast, a virtual simulated career development day was established to provide students with the tools needed to navigate the job acquisition process and secure appropriate employment. Course outcomes and student feedback indicated that a successful transition to practice and advancement to higher levels of professional nursing can be promoted through the development of superior interviewing skills, a strong resume, and insight regarding one's professional goals and values.

Employment barriers experienced at different job acquisition stages by people with and without disabilities

Employment barriers experienced at different job acquisition stages by people with and without disabilities

Reflection on the Path of Action and Knowledge in Contemporary Higher Education Reform

“Life is education, society is school” is the fundamental proposition of Xingzhi education. Experimental teaching, situational teaching, job acquisition, and tourism cognition are the implementation paths of Xingzhi education. These educational paths of “Knowing by doing” are not only effective ways of cognition, but also popular among young students. Faced with the reality that young people nowadays do not love reading but are willing to participate in social practice, China’s education reform should start by strengthening practical teaching, allowing students to acquire knowledge as much as possible through practical activities, rather than through reading [1]. This is not only an empirical tale of educational reform in developed countries in Europe and America, but also a beautiful tale of the westward trend during China’s modernization period in the 1930s.

Tracer Study of the Graduates of the School of Business and Accountancy, Pilgrim Christian College Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines

A tracer study stands as an indispensable tool for assessing the efficacy and success of the programs or courses offered by a school. This comprehensive analysis documents various aspects such as the employment status, challenges faced, and the practical application of skills among graduates in their current employment. By tracking the trajectories of alumni, tracer studies provide valuable insights into the real-world impact of the education provided by the institution. The Tracer Study tracked the SBA graduates of Pilgrim Christian College on what activities they followed after graduation and recognized the results of their achievements. The study used a descriptive method of research and used surveys to gather the primary data. Findings revealed that SBA graduates are predominantly females and in their early twenties; more were single, majority BSA graduates; and that they enrolled at PCC because of affordable tuition fees and the personal prestige attached to the name for better employment and career advancement. More of them were working at private institutions, the majority were serving full-time, more of them were working in business institutions, few were unemployed due to advancement for further studies, and more of them were permanent employees. The study concluded that a great number of them were employed immediately after graduation by application and not by political connections. Having provided very adequately the skills such as knowledge, communication, human relations, leadership, research, problem solving, and other competencies specific to the area of specialization were major factors on top of the area of specialization and reputation of SBA considered for immediate job acquisition.

Digital badges in academia: An educational tool for the clinical research coordinator.

Digital badges can provide condensed competency-based knowledge enabling individuals a chance to explore specialized careers in clinical research. A digital badge can be an efficient pathway to introduce clinical research job roles and educate a larger diverse workforce for clinical research coordinator positions at AMCs. The New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science (NJ ACTS) developed a digital badge with potential to broaden exposure to training opportunities for CRCs and improve their prospects for a career at Rutgers. This paper describes the development of a digital badge introducing individuals to the clinical research profession, especially for those who aspire to become a CRC. The badge was designed to include five domains (Scientific Concepts and Research Design, Ethical and Participant Safety Considerations, Clinical Study Operations and Site Management, and Data Management and Informatics). Participants assessed the badge for accuracy and presentation level. The results demonstrated that the competencies were met, and content was appropriate for someone with limited knowledge of clinical research. Survey results along with the Difficulty Index and Discrimination Index calculated for quiz questions supported the badge rank as foundational. Research is ongoing to evaluate the value of the badge to job acquisition, performance, and career growth.

Relationship between self-esteem and employment in people with severe mental illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Results from past research on the association between work outcomes and self-esteem were inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review and quantify the correlation between employment variables and self-esteem in people with severe mental illness. METHOD: The first electronic database search was performed between November 5 and November 12, 2021. A second search update was completed in September 2023. Studies that reported a correlation between at least one employment-related variable and self-esteem were subsequently verified. Pooled effect sizes were calculated with random-effects models by aggregating Fisher’s Z-to-Pearson r transformed correlations. RESULTS: The database search generated 3,547 reports. Thirteen and seven reports were included in the qualitative review and the meta-analyses, respectively. Meta-analyses results based on data from 1,065 participants suggested a positive albeit small correlation between employment variables and self-esteem in people with severe mental illness (r = 0.26, p = .002 for global self-esteem; r = 0.21, p < 0.001 for total self-esteem). It was found through systematic review that greater confidence in personal capacity, more opportunities on novel activities, and positive affirmation from coworkers were some potential mechanisms underlying self-esteem improvement following work. CONCLUSION: Future research on employment in severe mental illness would benefit from including adapted self-esteem measures and can build on this work by examining the relationships between specific employment variables (e.g., job acquisition, job tenure) and self-esteem.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Virtual Mock Interview for Health Professions Students.

Virtual mock interviews were offered to students to improve job interviewing skills. This educational quality improvement project aimed to use virtual mock interviews to increase student preparedness and confidence, and reduce anxiety related to professional interviews. Health professions students (n = 19) participated in the mock interviews conducted and recorded through a web-based meeting. Students received the recorded interview to watch before follow-up. Students completed pre- and postquestionnaires that addressed students' preparedness, confidence, and anxiety related to interviewing. Participants' confidence and preparedness improved significantly in their virtual interviews (p < .001), and their anxiety decreased significantly after the virtual interviews (p < .001). After watching the interviews, students' reported eye contact needed improvement and answers included too many "uhms." Students benefited from the virtual mock interviews. Mock virtual job interviews may have a positive effect on successful job acquisition in health professions. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(8):479-482.].

Providing quality employment services to people living with asthma in the vocational rehabilitation program: A model for meeting the needs of an emerging clientele.

With incidence and prevalence rates of asthma diagnoses steadily increasing in the United States and worldwide over the past 30 years, people with asthma are an emerging vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumer population. This article describes the job acquisition and return to work considerations facing employees with asthma. Following an overview of the etiology, incidence, prevalence, and career development implications of this chronic respiratory disease, the authors present career preparatory and return to work recommendations to meet the needs of Americans with asthma across the phases of the VR process. The importance of access to quality healthcare, lifestyle, and environmental modifications to promote respiratory health, employer consultation, workplace accommodations and universal design, and interface with medical and mental health professionals is emphasized throughout the article. Asthma is an emerging disability that disproportionally affects people of color and people who live in poverty. Rehabilitation professionals must be prepared to meet the needs of this growing and diverse clientele as people with asthma seek assistance from the VR program in acquiring, maintaining, and advancing in meaningful, satisfying employment.

ANALYZING THE STRUGGLES OF STUDENTS AND GRADUATES OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN TANZANIA

Education aims forever to provide a better life, and still, the aim is the same. However, the meaning of better has changed with time, particularly at the individual, national, and international levels. The changes for the betterment are influenced by many factors, including the country’s educational systems. This study finds a better situation of learning and easy job acquisition by exploring the struggles encountered by students and graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, institutions, and centers in Tanzania and highlighting the possible way forward. The Findings on students’ struggles in learning and struggles in the labor market (of getting jobs) after graduating from TVET colleges or centers of Tanzania are caused explicitly by the existing TVET system. TVET teachers are not well equipped with technological, management, and personal (TMP) skills, pedagogical skills, content knowledge, lack of commitments, poor motivations, and unrealistic technical and vocational policies. Students, parents and employers’ perceptions also contribute to students’ struggle in learning and job attainments. The study mainly answered the questions like why students struggle in learning and why they struggle in the labor market to get jobs. Several themes (thematic analysis) were drawn from the study and addressed/ attempted to answer the raised questions with references to the existing evidence of the Tanzanian context and Africa. The study is purely a qualitative. Lastly, the study strongly advises revamping the existing pedagogy in TVET and TVET policy due to their weaknesses in the educational system. Though, the government should take into consideration all issues noticed.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0058/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Individual placement and support in young people with severe mental illness: an Italian experience

IntroductionIndividual placement and support (IPS) has a considerable body of evidence for its effectiveness in helping people with mental disorder to obtain and maintain competitive jobs in the labour market. IPS closely follows 8 main principles (such as it aims to get people into competitive employment, it is open to all those who want to work, it tries to find jobs consistent with people’s preferences, it works quickly, it brings employment specialists into clinical teams, it provides time unlimited, individualised support, benefits counselling is included). However, little data in young adults are currently available, especially in Europe.ObjectivesAim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of IPS in Italian young adults with severe mental illness, examining the main competitive employment outcomes and drop out rates during a 3-year follow-up period.Methods54 participants were recruited from patients receiving psychiatric treatment in adult Community Mental Health Centers of an Italian Department of Mental Health. Together with drop out rates, we examined job acquisition, job duration (total number of days worked), total hours per week worked and job tenure (weeks worked on the longest-held competitive job).ResultsA crude competitive employment rate of 40.7% and a crude drop out rate of 22.2% over the 3-year follow-up period were found. However, 66% of 42 clients who remained in the program over 3 years gained competitive employment at some time during the 3-year period.ConclusionsThis research shows the feasibility of an IPS intervention model in the public mental health care system in Italy, especially for a young adult target population.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Perspective towards North Korean Defectors according to the Educational Background, Rank, and Job Acquisition Path of South Korean Security Police Protecting North Korean Defectors

Purpose: In this study, after the North Korean defectors enter into South Korea and undergo education and training for a certain period, they are transferred to the police and take the first step towards their settlement in the South Korean society under the protection of the security police for a certain period of time. This means that the security police officers are playing and performing such a crucial role in the process of their settlement and social adaptation for the North Korean defectors. Hence, the purpose of this study is to analyze the perception and attitude of the security police towards the North Korean defectors and explore a policy related plan for the impact on the North Korean defectors successful settlement in the South Korean society. Method: In this study, the perception and attitude towards the safety awareness of the North Korean defectors was analyzed through the Self-Administration Method applied survey of 100 police officers in the security department of the Police Human Resources Development Institute, which is the police educational institution of South Korea. Among the main variables for measurement, educational background, rank, and job acquisition path were used. In particular, among the various characteristics of security police, the study has focused on how the safety awareness of the North Korean defectors varies according to the educational background and rank job acquisition path of the security police department. Results: As a result of the analysis performed, it turned out that the higher the educational background of the security police, the higher the safety awareness of the North Korean defectors. Across most of the questions which demonstrated statistical significance in terms of the job acquisition path, it turned out that the security police officers from the executive candidates evaluated the safety awareness of the North Korean defectors far more positively than the general police officers or special recruits. Conclusion: In order for the security police officers from the relatively low educational background and the general police officers to renew more voluntary and active safety awareness of the North Korean defectors, it is first necessary to improve the overall job acquisition path of the entire police organization, including the security police. The negative evaluation of the North Korean defectors by the security police officers with a relatively low educational background and general police officers may be a kind of negative reaction to the problem which the security police organization is constantly undergoing changes according to the government s political inclinations. Hence, in the future, the government, political circles, and the police leaders should not make abrupt changes to the security police organization according to the government s political orientation and microscopic changes in terms of the inter-Korean relations.

Impact of cognitive remediation on the prediction of employment outcomes in severe mental illness

ObjectiveCognitive functioning is a potent predictor of work in people with a severe mental illness, including those receiving vocational services. Cognitive remediation has been shown to improve cognitive functioning and work outcomes in people receiving vocational services. However, it is unknown whether it reduces the strength of cognitive functioning as a predictor of work outcomes compared to people receiving vocational services alone. MethodData were pooled from five randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of adding cognitive remediation to vocational rehabilitation vs. vocational services alone. A battery of baseline cognitive functioning measures was examined to identify predictors of competitive work outcomes over the following two years. Study condition (i.e., receipt of cognitive remediation) was included in the analyses to evaluate whether cognitive functioning was a weaker predictor of work outcomes in people receiving cognitive remediation compared to those receiving vocational services alone. ResultsCognitive functioning was a stronger predictor of wages earned and weeks worked in participants receiving vocational services alone than those who also received cognitive remediation. Cognitive functioning did not predict job acquisition in either study condition. ConclusionCognitive remediation may improve employment outcomes in people receiving vocational services in part by reducing the adverse effects of impaired cognitive functioning on work performance.

Factors affecting labour market transitions, sustained employment and sustained unemployment in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Studies have reported difficulties in job acquisition and retention as well as unstable employment status among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and binary logistic regression analysis were employed to investigate the factors that affect the labour market transition of 374 individuals with intellectual disabilities. There were significant differences in sex between the sustained unemployment group and the sustained employment groups; in educational level, between sustained employment and other groups; and in basic living security assistance received, between sustained unemployment and other groups. All psychological factors in the sustained employment group were higher than in the sustained unemployment group. Communication ability significantly affected sustained employment. Greater family support was associated with a lower turnover probability, and a higher educational level and greater family support increased the probability of retention. Developing family support systems may decrease the possibility of turnover and increase retention.

Re-thinking Curriculum Design and Development for Optimizing Change in Education

Abstract: A developing world like Africa inherited an educational system that laid high emphasis on what is known as the 3Rs (reading, writing, and arithmetic). This teaching/learning method was perhaps relevant then, due to the enlightenment gap that existed between learners and their instructors (Missionaries/Colonial masters). The 3Rs known as rote learning regurgitation of facts is teacher-centered that subjects learners to memorization of information for the expansion of knowledge. This learning principle mostly evaluate learners through the use of tests and examinations to ascertain their learning levels. However, as good as the 3Rs learning method is, it only prepares learners for job acquisition, not problem-solving. This paper will argue for a paradigm shift, to key in with the developed world like America and start wrestling with an educational curriculum that is learners focused; a curriculum that is concerned with the ‘how’ to think in learning than the ‘what to think.’ Urbanization, globalization, complex factories/technologies in this dispensation are calling for learning principles that can guide learners on how to move from learning assumptions to the application of daily realities of life using both the cognitive, affective and the psychomotor domains. The paper attempt to define the ‘how’ approach using. the perspective of applying critical thinking skills before drawing a conclusion. Keywords: Curriculum design, the 3Rs and the 4Cs, critical thinking, instructors and learners, reflective teaching.

Predictive Association of Low- and High-Fidelity Supported Employment Programs with Multiple Outcomes in a Real-World Setting: A Prospective Longitudinal Multi-site Study

PurposeThe individual placement and support (IPS) model of supported employment is a leading evidence-based practice in community mental health services. In Japan, individualized supported employment that is highly informed by the philosophy of the IPS model has been implemented. While there is a body of evidence demonstrating the association between program fidelity and the proportion of participants gaining competitive employment, the association between fidelity and a wider set of vocational and individual outcomes has received limited investigation. This study aimed to assess whether high-fidelity individualized supported employment programs were superior to low-fidelity programs in terms of vocational outcomes, preferred job acquisition, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).MethodsA prospective longitudinal study with 24-month follow-up analyzed 16 individualized supported employment programs. The Japanese version of the individualized Supported Employment Fidelity scale (JiSEF) was used to assess the structural quality of supported employment programs (scores: low-fidelity program, ≤ 90; high-fidelity program, ≥ 91). Job acquisition, work tenure, work earnings, job preference matching (e.g., occupation type, salary, and illness disclosure), and PROMs such as the INSPIRE and WHO-Five Well-being index were compared between groups.ResultsThere were 75 and 127 participants in the low-fidelity group (k = 6) and high-fidelity group (k = 10), respectively. The high-fidelity group demonstrated better vocational outcomes than the low-fidelity group, i.e., higher competitive job acquisition (71.7% versus 38.7%, respectively, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.6, p = 0.002), longer work tenure (adjusted mean difference = 140.8, p < 0.001), and better match for illness disclosure preference (92.6% versus 68.0%, respectively, aOR = 5.9, p = 0.003). However, we found no differences between groups in other preference matches or PROM outcomes.ConclusionHigh-fidelity individualized supported employment programs resulted in good vocational outcomes in a real-world setting. However, enhancing service quality to increase desired job acquisition and improve PROMs will be important in the future.Clinical Trial RegistrationUMIN000025648

Study on employability of mechanical engineering graduates from Sunyani Technical University of Ghana

Although the Government of Ghana gives considerable attention to technical education to accelerate national development, some graduates remain unemployed for years after graduation. In this study, employability of mechanical engineering graduates from Sunyani Technical University of Ghana is presented. It assessed the employment status and duration of unemployment of the graduates, identified the factors that hinder their employability and the challenges that require attention prior to graduation of students, and made suggestions for improvement. Respondents of the study were 131 graduates from 2014-2017 graduation years, comprising 50% of graduates from each of the Program options in the department. The sampling techniques used were purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. A questionnaire was the research instrument used for data collection and it was administered using e-mails, WhatsApp and phone calls. The results revealed that the employment status of the graduates was about 84% with the duration of unemployment about 29%, 41% and 19% for one, two and three years after their national service respectively. The main factor hindering employability of the graduates was inadequate practical skills since more attention was given to theory at the expense of practical work. The main challenge which requires attention prior to graduation of students was the lack of job-seeking skills. The Department should therefore, focus more on the practical element of the Programs by increasing the practical hours and partner with industry for curriculum development, more internship opportunities and industrial tours, and organise seminars on job acquisition processes prior to graduation of students to enhance employability of the graduates.

U.S. transgender women\u2019s preferences for microeconomic interventions to address structural determinants of HIV vulnerability: a qualitative assessment

BackgroundTransgender women in the United States (U.S.) experience a disproportionate burden of HIV infection and challenges to engagement in HIV prevention and care. This excess burden is driven by structural and economic inequities. Microeconomic interventions may be effective strategies for reducing HIV inequities for this population. However, few studies have explored transgender women’s preferences for microeconomic interventions to address structural determinants of HIV vulnerability.MethodsWe conducted individual interviews with 19 adult transgender women in 2 U.S. cities (Richmond, VA and St. Louis, MO) who reported one or more sexual risk behaviors and recent economic hardship related to employment/income, housing, or food security. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.ResultsThe majority (74%) of transgender women were racial/ethnic minorities with mean age of 26.3 years. 89% were currently economically vulnerable; and 23% were employed full-time. 37% reported living with HIV. Participants expressed strong support for unrestricted vouchers, with many expressing the need for funds to support gender-affirming interventions. Assistance with how to budget and save and support for job acquisition, career planning, and employment sustainment were also preferred, including access to non-stigmatizing employment. Visible transgender leadership, group empowerment, and small (rather than large) numbers of participants were considered important aspects of intervention design for transgender women, including outreach through existing transgender networks to facilitate inclusion. Incorporating HIV counseling and testing to reduce vulnerability to HIV was acceptable. However, transgender women enrolled in the study preferred that HIV not be the focus of an intervention.ConclusionsFlexible microeconomic interventions that support gender affirming interventions, improve financial literacy, and provide living-wage non-stigmatizing employment are desired by economically vulnerable transgender women. While not focused on HIV, such interventions have the potential to reduce the structural drivers of HIV vulnerability among transgender women.

Examining the First Job Acquisition Period and Identifying the Effects of Factors on University Graduates

Examining the First Job Acquisition Period and Identifying the Effects of Factors on University Graduates

Gender Bias in Student Evaluations of Teaching: ‘Punish[ing] Those Who Fail To Do Their Gender Right’

A significant body of work problematises the assumption that student evaluations of teaching (SET) actually measure teaching quality. This is concerning, given that SET are increasingly relied upon not only to evaluate candidates for employment (so job acquisition is influenced by flawed data) but also to inform performance metrics for those in employment (so job security is influenced by flawed data). This paper presents qualitative research conducted at a large public university in Australia. The findings suggest that student evaluations of teaching seem to measure conformity with gendered expectations rather than teaching quality, with particularly negative effects for women. The integration of SET into performance management practices within institutions of higher education could be entrenching inequalities amongst university staff that could ultimately disadvantage female academics.

Commentary: Making the case for linking behavioral health strategies to enhance work as a social determinant for youth.

This commentary addresses the importance of work as a social determinant of health and the role that behavioral health interventions play in its successful execution. Data on the influence of nonmedical factors on wellness of vulnerable populations is reviewed as well as the need to facilitate acquisition of meaningful employment for post-high school graduates, referred to as opportunity youth. It also discusses the role of behavioral health professionals to proactively manage mental health concerns that negatively influence the employment process. Moreover, it suggests that behavioral health professionals can potentially predict work acquisition success based on participant risks and barriers to employment. Such analyses can affect decisions regarding program participant selection and the assessment of program/staff resources required for a successful pathway to job acquisition. Such insights can provide useful guideposts on how to apply this social determinant theory to effectively integrate this unutilized workforce into productive jobs.