Work Readiness Scale Research Articles

Shaping The Future of Work Readiness of Internship Students : Role of Gen Z’s Resilience

This study aims to analyze the role of resilience on work readiness in MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka) internship students. Non-experimental correlational study design was used. A quantitative approach through regression and descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Non-probability sampling, specifically the convenience sampling, was also used. Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire using Google Forms. The respondents consisted of 140 students from a university in West Java who had participated in the MBKM internship program. The Resilience Quotient Test (RQ-Test) and Work Readiness Scale (WRS) were used to measure resilience and work readiness, respectively. The result of this study showed that resilience had a significant role on work readiness (r2 = 0.285; p = 0.000). This study is expected to present information and contribute theoretically towards resilience and its role towards work readiness in MBKM internship students. The result of this study can be used by students that participate in the internship program to evaluate themselves and to show them the importance of developing resilience for their work readiness in the future.

The effects of work readiness, organizational justice and professional identity on the work performance of new nurses: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundWith the evolution of disease patterns and the continuous pursuit of persons for high-quality nursing services, new nurses are the reserve talents of the nursing team and shoulder a major mission. However, due to their low work performance and high turnover rate, this is not conducive to the stable development of nursing teams, and it is urgent to solve this problem. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of work readiness on the work performance of new nurses, focusing on the mediating role of organizational justice and professional identity.MethodA cross-sectional design was employed. Using convenience sampling methods, 607 new nurses were surveyed in 5 hospitals in Henan Province, China, from January to February 2023. Data were collected using demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Work Performance Scale, the Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurses, the Organizational Justice Scale, and the Professional Identity Rating Scale for Nurses. AMOS 26.0 was used for model drawing and mediation path testing, and SPSS 25.0 was used for data analysis.ResultsThe mediation model shows a good fit (χ2 /df = 2.747, CFI = 0.987, GFI = 0.948, AGFI = 0.926, TLI = 0.984, IFI = 0.987, and RMSEA = 0.054). In this study, we found professional identity is a mediating variable between work readiness and the work performance of new nurses (β = 0.113, P<0.01), organizational justice is a mediating variable between work readiness and the work performance of new nurses (β = 0.269, P<0.01) and Organizational justice and professional identity play a chain mediating role in work readiness and work performance (β = 0.066, P<0.01).ConclusionsThe study highlights the importance of improving the work performance of new nurses. To improve work performance, managers should create a fair atmosphere, formulate transparent policies, improve the organizational justice of new nurses, and promote the professional identity and work readiness of new nurses by holding activities or conducting lectures. This will help stabilize the nursing team, improve the medical environment, stimulate the work enthusiasm of new nurses, and contribute to the development of the hospital.

Effect of authentic leadership on work readiness: the mediating role of nurses’ agility

BackgroundThe dynamic and demanding nature of healthcare environments necessitates that nurses not only possess clinical proficiency but also exhibit high levels of work readiness to adapt swiftly to changes. Authentic leadership has been recognized as a critical factor influencing various organizational outcomes.AimInvestigating the mediating role of nurses’ agility in the relation between authentic leadership and nurses’ work readiness.Design and methodA correlational analytical research design was utilized following STROBE guidelines, and data were collected from 249 nurses at a hospital affiliated with Beni-Suef University, Egypt. Instruments included authentic leadership Questionnaire, work readiness scale, and workforce agility scale. Data was collected from the beginning of March to the end of April 2024.ResultsThe findings indicate that authentic leadership was notably strong regarding morality/ethics dimension (mean score: 15.81), and nurses demonstrated relatively high agility levels, particularly in proactivity (mean score: 29.16). Organizational acumen scored highest in work readiness dimensions (mean score: 53.94). Nurses’ overall scores for study variables ranged from 72 to 80% of the maximum, with agility scoring highest (mean score: 85.77). Significant positive correlations were found between variables, especially between nurses’ agility and authentic leadership (r = 0.362).ConclusionPath analysis reveals nurses’ agility as a paramount mediator between authentic leadership and nurses’ work readiness, indicating its vital role in transmitting the positive effects of authentic leadership. Practical implications include establishing authentic leadership programs that foster nurses’ agility especially proactive behaviors. That in turn improve nurses’ readiness for various work responsibilities.

Work readiness of student nurses voluntarily supporting NHS during COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods investigation into students’ experiences

Background: Transition from education to the workforce has been recognised as difficult and linked to ‘reality shock.’ Due to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, many student nurses opted in for NHS emergency placements and prematurely transitioned to the workplace, which calls for an in-depth investigation of the work readiness and transition experiences of this cohort. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate self-perceived work readiness, the effectiveness of support provided by the universities and the NHS as well as explore the experiences of student nurses who responded to the COVID-19 crisis to understand the impact of this early transition to the clinical workforce. Design: A mixed methods study was conducted. It included two stages: (1) an online survey consisting of a work readiness questionnaire and close- and open-ended questions about received support; and (2) online semi-structured interviews that were thematically analysed. Methods: Participants were nursing students from Scottish universities who took on emergency NHS placements. Thirty-three (30 females and 3 males) participants completed the survey and 8 of them (all female) participated in semi-structured interviews. The Work Readiness Scale for graduate nurses along with questions about the support received were completed in the first stage of the study. Results: Organisational acumen was perceived by participants as higher than social intelligence, work competence and personal work characteristics. Three superordinate themes emerged: (1) participants expressed appreciation of and need for coordination of support from the university and the NHS as a key factor in easing into their role; (2) they indicated the sense of obligation as the key driver for taking up this placement; (3) placement was seen as an opportunity to understand their role and develop their professional identity. Conclusions: The findings found the importance of support from the clinical placement and academic teams to help with the integration and application of theory into practice.

Factors associated with newly graduated nurses' work readiness during a pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundNewly graduated nurses may experience reality shock and leave the career early, if not adequately prepared. The pandemic has significantly impacted nursing education, clinical placements, working conditions and employment opportunities, leaving newly graduated nurses' work readiness unknown. AimTo investigate the work readiness and its associated factors of newly graduated nurses who studied and graduated during a pandemic. DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional correlational study design was employed. SettingsThe study was conducted at a large public health service in Victoria, Australia. ParticipantsNewly graduated registered nurses who studied during the pandemic and graduated between January 2022 and June 2023 (N = 206). MethodsParticipants were recruited between November 2022 and June 2023. Participants' self-perceived work readiness was measured using the Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurses, covering personal work characteristics, work competence, social intelligence and organisational acumen. Pearson correlation, multiple regression and hierarchical logistic regression analysis were applied to test the relationship between explanatory variables and participants' work readiness. ResultsMean (SD) values were 50.7 (14.6) for personal work characteristics, 100.5 (18.8) for work competence, and 58.2 (12.4) for social intelligence. Median (IQR) for organisational acumen was 145.5 (18.0). Prior Australian registered nurse or enrolled nurse experience significantly predicted personal work characteristics (β = 0.16, p = 0.037), while previous overseas registered nurse experience significantly predicted work competence (β = 0.14, p = 0.049). Participants who were native-English speakers had a significantly lower work competence (β = −0.15, p = 0.032). Being a female (p = 0.002, 95 % CI = 1.75, 13.21) and the length of a final clinical placement (p = 0.033, 95 % CI = 1.02, 1.59) significantly predicted organisational acumen. ConclusionDespite challenges encountered during the pandemic, participants reported a relatively high self-perceived work readiness. Influencing factors include individual characteristics, clinical placement experiences, and previous healthcare employment.

The Role of Self-Efficacy as a Mediator Between Active Organization and Job Readiness

The world of work requires students to have abilities and work skills as a basis for negotiation since willingness to work is the basis. At the same time, the organization promotes students' self-efficacy, making them more mature and career-ready. This study aims to determine the importance of self-efficacy as a mediator between organizational activities and work readiness. The research method uses a quantitative approach. The subjects were 95 students from the Faculty of Economics and Management, Mulawarman University, who were selected through simple random sampling. The data collection method uses three types of scales: work readiness scale, organizational activity scale, and self-efficacy scale. Structural Equation Modeling analysis technique and statistical software Smart PLS are adopted. The research results show that self-efficacy can play a partial role as a mediator between organizational activity and students' job readiness, organizational activity can directly affect students' work motivation, and Organizational activity can affect students' self-efficacy. This study concludes that self-efficacy plays a vital role in improving students' job readiness, directly or indirectly, in the current millennium.

Relationship between work readiness, transition shock, and job competency among new nurses in oncology hospitals - A longitudinal study based on a latent growth model

BackgroundNursing job competency is critical for talent development both globally and in China, relating to work readiness and transition shock. Previous studies, which have typically relied on average measurements at fixed time points, have not provided comprehensive longitudinal insights. AimThis study aimed to investigate the developmental trajectories of transition shock in new nurses at oncology specialty hospitals. Furthermore, we sought to explore the longitudinal mediating role of transition shock in the relationship between work readiness and the development of nursing job competency. DesignLongitudinal follow-up study. MethodsWe conducted three follow-up surveys over 8 months using the Work Readiness Scale, the Transition Shock Scale, and the Nursing Job Competency Scale to assess 252 novice nurses at two high-volume oncology centers. The surveys were conducted at 0, 4, and 8 months, with demographic information collected during the first survey. Data were analyzed using R 4.1.2 and Mplus 8.0. Results(1) Over the 8-month period, transition shock exhibited a linear decrease. Notably, nurses with a higher initial transition shock experienced a slower rate of decline. (2) There were positive correlations between work readiness and nursing job competency at all three measurement points. Conversely, transition shock was negatively correlated with both work readiness and nursing job competency. (3) Transition shock functioned as a longitudinal mediator in the relationship between work readiness and nursing job competency. ConclusionThis study clarified the longitudinal mediating role of transition shock in the relationship between work readiness and job competency in oncology settings. Targeted interventions are necessary to mitigate excessive transition shock, thereby improving the nursing job competency of new nurses in oncology hospitals. Registration23/313-4055.

Analysis of latent potential profiles and influencing factors of intern nursing students' professional identity in Shandong Province

Objective: To explore the current situation of professional identity of intern nursing students in Shandong Province, to analyze the potential characteristics of different categories of intern nursing students' professional identity, and to provide reference for formulating relevant intervention programs. Methods: From September to October 2023, using convenient cluster sampling, selected nursing students from different regions of Shandong Province colleges and universities as the research objects, a total of 1298 questionnaires were released and recovered, with 1221 valid questionnaires, and the effective recovery rate of questionnaires was 94.07%. General demographic data was collected, and information on nursing students' professional identity was investigated with the Nursing Students' Professional Identity Questionnaire, the Work Readiness Scale, and the Feedback Seeking Behavior Scale. Latent potential profiles of nursing students' sense of professional identity were analyzed by Mplus 8.3 software, and the best-fitting model was selected by the test of fitness and difference. The χ(2) test was used for comparison between groups of count data, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparison between groups of measure data, and the effects of each factor on different potential profiles were analyzed by multivariate logistic analysis. Results: A total of 1221 intern nursing students were 984 (80.6%) females and 237 (19.4%) males, aged (21.12±2.96) years old, with a total score of (64.23±14.99) for nursing students' professional identity. Nursing students' professional identity was divided into 3 categories: 98 (8.0%) in the low identity group, 624 (51.4%) in the medium identity group, and 496 (40.6%) in the high identity group. The gender, region, age, work readiness scores and feedback seeking behavior scores of nursing students in different categories were different, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the high identity group, the nursing students in the low identity group were more likely to be included in the high identity group (OR=0.390, 0.167, P=0.005, 0.006) with higher work readiness and better feedback seeking behavior. Compared with the high identity group, the higher work readiness and non-Jinan areas of the medium identity group were more likely to be included in the high identity group (OR=0.597, 1.470, P=0.011, 0.012). Compared with the medium identity group, the more feedback seeking behaviors of the low identity group were more likely to be included in the medium identity group (OR=10.411, P<0.001) . Conclusion: The level of professional identity of intern nursing students can be classified into 3 categories, and nursing administrators can improve work readiness and increase feedback seeking behaviors according to the potential characteristics of the different types to enhance the professional identity of nursing students.

Nursing students' work readiness and its influencing factors before participating in a nurse residency program: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Studies have shown that work readiness is closely related to nurses' role adaptation, career development, and patient safety. However, we know little about the nursing students' work readiness and its influencing factors before participating in a nurse residency program, and whether factors have changed from before. (1) To investigate the work readiness of nursing students ready to engage in a nurse residency program; (2) to identify the factors affecting the nursing students' work readiness and the associations between emotional intelligence and work readiness; and (3) to discuss the changes of factors affecting nursing students' work readiness. An online, multicenter cross-sectional study. 878 nursing students from eight tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, China were recruited. The online investigation used the General Information Questionnaire, the Nursing Students' Work Readiness Scale, and the Emotional Intelligence scale. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23.0. 768 valid questionnaires were included in this study. The nurses obtained a work readiness score of 277.08 ± 44.39 and an emotional intelligence score of 89.57 ± 13.89. Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors affected work readiness: age, sex, family support for becoming a nurse, voluntary choice of nursing major, previous experience as a student cadre, scholarship recipient status, willingness to engage in nursing work during the COVID-19 pandemic and confidence in clinical nursing practice. Frequent incidents of violence, poor salary for nurses for the nurse residency program, and low social acceptance were the top three reasons for decreased confidence in clinical nursing among nursing students. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, voluntary choice of nursing major, student leadership experience, confidence in clinical nursing work, self-emotion, and emotional application significantly influenced nurses' work readiness. Clinical instructors and administrators should dynamically assess nurses' work readiness, prioritize individuals aged ≤23, who have chosen the nursing profession involuntarily, lack prior experience as student cadres, and exhibit low confidence in clinical nursing work. This focus will enhance their emotional self-management skills and ability to apply emotions effectively, improving their work readiness and training efficacy.

KEPERCAYAAN DIRI DENGAN KESIAPAN KERJA PADA SISWA SMKN 1 KENDARI

Self-confidence is a personality in the form of belief in the abilities and skills possessed and manifested in daily behavior. Meanwhile, work readiness is a condition of harmony between physical, mental and experience abilities and a person's capacity to complete a job in accordance with certain provisions. The sample of this research is 97 students of SMKN 1 Kendari. The measuring instrument used in this study is the self-confidence scale and work readiness scale using the Likert scale method. The self-confidence scale has a reliability value (rxy) = 0.937 consisting of 18 items, while the work readiness scale has a reliability value (rxy) = 0.945. The analysis of this study uses the Pearson product moment correlation. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that there is a positive relationship between self-confidence and work readiness with a value of r = 0.8622, with sig = 0.000. This shows that the higher the self-confidence, the higher the job readiness.

The effect of work readiness on work well-being for newly graduated nurses: The mediating role of emotional labor and psychological capital.

To investigate the relationship between work readiness and work well-being for newly graduated nurses and the mediating role of emotional labor and psychological capital in this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in mainland China. A total of 478 newly graduated nurses completed the Work Readiness Scale, Emotional Labour Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Work Well-being Scale. Descriptive statistical methods, Pearson correlation analysis, and a structural equation model were used to analyze the available data. Newly graduated nurses' work readiness was significantly positively correlated with work well-being (r = 0.21, p < 0.01), deep acting (r = 0.11, p < 0.05), and psychological capital (r = 0.18, p < 0.01). Emotional labor and psychological capital partially mediated the relationship between work readiness and work well-being. Additionally, emotional labor and psychological capital had a chain-mediating effect on the association. Work readiness not only affects newly graduated nurses' work well-being directly but also indirectly through emotional labor and psychological capital. These results provide theoretical support and guidance for the study and improvement of newly graduated nurses' work well-being and emphasize the importance of intervention measures to improve work readiness and psychological capital and the adoption of deep-acting emotional-labor strategies.

Effects of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Work Readiness of Undergraduate Nursing Students in China: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Newly graduated nurses with strong work readiness are more likely to smoothly transition from school to clinical settings. However, even before the pandemic, this transition from nursing graduate to clinical nurse was often challenging. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of the initial wave of COVID-19 on the work readiness of nursing students. A convergent mixed-method design was employed. For the quantitative study, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 graduating nursing students from four Chinese public higher education institutions. The questionnaire comprises three parts: socio-demographic information, the Chinese version of the Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurse, and a questionnaire on the socio-behavioral impact of COVID-19 on the general population. In the qualitative study, a semi-structured interview was carried out with 8 students who took part in the survey. The results from both parts were integrated using the "Pillar Integration Process". The study identified six key pillars: "Graduating nursing students possess fundamental knowledge, skills, and a preparedness in terms of attitude and psychology"; "Specialist knowledge and skills and soft skills for transition from nursing students to clinical nurses need to be strengthened"; "The most obvious impact of COVID-19 on nursing students are the adoption of preventive measures and the limitations in study and daily life due to household confinement"; "Growth in both personal and professional awareness"; "Negative effects of fear and anxiety"; and "Negative effects of household confinement". Graduating nursing students require additional preparation in specialized nursing knowledge, skills, and soft skills to make a successful transition from students to clinical nurses. It is important to acknowledge that the impact of COVID-19 on students' work readiness has both positive and negative aspects. Therefore, whether during the pandemic or post-graduation, these students will benefit from increased support from universities and hospitals.

Does the Use of Online Methods in Nursing Education Affect Job Readiness?

The aim of this study is to examine how the online education method increasingly used in the nursing education affects work readiness of students. Background: The literature reveals that newly graduated nurses are not adequately ready for working life, the transition from student to professional nursing is stressful and exhausting, and nearly half of them intend to quit their job. Method: Quantitative data were collected using Work Readiness Scale for Graduated Nurses (WRSGN) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Qualitative data were collected with semi-structured questions. Results: In the study, a negative significant correlation was found between WRSGN and GSE subscales (p

The factors affecting work readiness during the transition from university student to physiotherapist in Australia

PurposeWork readiness is an important aspect of the transition from higher education to professional practice. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of work readiness of individuals transitioning into physiotherapy practice in Australia and identify any association with personal, education and work factors.Design/methodology/approachPurpose-built surveys were distributed to final-year students and graduates of physiotherapy programmes nationally. Work readiness was measured using the recently validated Work Readiness Scale for Allied Health Professionals 32 (WRS-AH32), which captures the following four domains: Practical Wisdom, Interpersonal Capabilities, Personal Attributes and Organisational Acumen. The surveys also included personal, education and work data. Work readiness was expressed as percentages for total work readiness and within each domain. Independent t-tests were used to examine the influence of personal, education and work factors on work readiness.Findings176 participant responses were analysed (84 students and 92 graduates). Total work readiness was 80% [standard deviation (SD)8], with Practical Wisdom the highest scoring domain (91%, SD8) and Personal Attributes the lowest scoring domain (65%, SD14). Considering overall work readiness, individuals reporting some psychological symptoms scored lower than asymptomatic individuals [mean difference 7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4 to 9)] and final-year students scored less than graduates [mean difference 3% (95%CI 0 to 5)].Practical implicationsAll stakeholders, including individuals, universities and employers, need to consider further strategies to develop aspects of work readiness, particularly within the domain of Personal Attributes and those with psychological symptoms.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates that physiotherapy students and graduates perceive themselves to be well prepared to transition to the workforce.

Social support and work readiness of Chinese final-year nursing students: The moderating role of psychological resilience

We explored the relationships among perceived social support, psychological resilience, and work readiness of final-year nursing students. Participants included 376 Chinese final-year nursing students (female = 83.8%; mean age = 20.24 years, SD = 1.37 years). They completed the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Work Readiness Scale for graduate nurses. Hierarchical regression analysis results showed that social support was significantly associated with higher work readiness. Further, social support was associated with higher psychological resilience. Psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between social support and work readiness to be higher. These study findings suggest a need for targeted student social support programs to increase their psychological resilience, which is important for increasing their work readiness.

A Work Readiness Scale for Allied Health Graduates

A Work Readiness Scale for Allied Health Graduates

Hubungan Efikasi Diri dengan Kesiapan Kerja pada Siswa SMK

As a provision for work, vocational high school students are required to have mature work readiness so that they can compete for the desired job. Job readiness for the workforce of vocational high school graduates is influenced by several factors, one of which is self-efficacy. This study aims to determine the relationship between self-efficacy and work readiness in vocational students. The method used in this research is quantitative method. In this study, the subjects were 323 SMKN students in Padang city. The data collection method in this study used a self-efficacy scale and a work readiness scale. Data analysis techniques using product moment correlation techniques. The results of hypothesis testing obtained a correlation coefficient value of 0.560 and a significance value of 0.000. This shows that there is a significant positive relationship between self-efficacy and work readiness in vocational students, meaning that the higher the self-efficacy of a student, the higher the work readiness of vocational high school students.

Work readiness of pharmacy graduates: An exploratory study.

IntroductionThe recent global pandemic of Covid-19 caused various disruptions. Among them were face-to-face teaching and learning activities being switched to virtual sessions in accordance with health authorities recommendations. The impact of these changes on work readiness of pharmacy graduates is unknown. AimThis study aims to determine the impact of pharmacy graduate's work readiness, particularly those that had their studies disrupted from the pandemic. MethodsPracticing pharmacists with supervisory experience were interviewed on their opinions on work readiness of early career and intern pharmacists. Specifically, they were asked to comment on work readiness of pharmacy graduates who had their later stage of pharmacy education impacted by the pandemic. Data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. This was also supplemented with quantitative data from graduating students in 2020 and 2021 using the Work Readiness Scale. ResultsQualitative feedback showed four themes related to workforce readiness: work competence, social intelligence, personal characteristics, and organizational acumen. Preceptors interviewed noted differences in communication abilities when interacting with patients. However, this improved with time. Quantitative data collected from graduates via the validated Work-Readiness Scale also showed a more positive agreement towards perceived work readiness. These graduates were comfortable with using technology as they had used these extensively in their learning during the pandemic and thus was comfortable in adopting digital health tools in their practice. ConclusionAlthough graduates reported to be work ready, there were gaps in communication skills and confidence levels when interacting with patients, as reported by supervising preceptors. Graduates also described this sense of ‘missing out’ from not having the opportunity to attend face-to-face activities like their originally planned hospital placements and how it impacted their choice of career. As pharmacists continue to play vital roles as members of the broader healthcare workforce, both in clinical and nonclinical settings, learnings from this study should be considered in designing educational activities to train and develop the workforce of the future.

The relationship between the online learning process, 21st century skills and work readiness in senior nursing students

AimThe aim of this study was to: a) develop scales that measure nursing students' perceptions of the online learning process and the effects of this process on nursing knowledge and skills and b) explain the relationship between these scales, 21st century skills and work readiness. BackgroundTwenty-first century skills include learning and innovation skills, information, media and technology skills and life and career skills. These skills have come to the fore through nursing education’s adoption of online education after recent global events such as the COVID-19 restrictions. DesignThis was a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study. MethodsThe study was conducted with 313 senior nursing students in Türkiye. In the acquisition of research data, the study used a personal information form including socio-demographic data, the online learning process perception scale (OLPS), the online learning process nursing knowledge and skills effects scale (NKS-S), the multidimensional 21st century skills scale and the work readiness scale (WRS). The study was conducted from April to June 2021. Validity and reliability of the scales were tested using exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analysis. The relationship between the scales was shown through path analysis. ResultsBoth developed OLPS and NKS-S scales were found to be valid and reliable and it was proven that the model provided acceptable fit index values. According to the path analysis results, 3.6% of 21st century skills were explained by OLPS and NKS-S, while 65% of WRS was explained by OLPS, NKS-S and 21st century skills. ConclusionStudents reported that online learning increases 21st century skills and that practice based training through online platforms prepares them for work. Higher education institutions can help students learn 21st century skills through online education, ensuring their work readiness.

Developing academic coaches: The efficacy of psychometric tests for cultivating ‘business ready’ graduates

This scientist-practitioner study investigated the effectiveness of psychometric-informed academic coaching sessions for cultivating ‘business ready’ graduates. Sixty undergraduate student coaches consented to evaluate the academic coaching provision, which comprised both coaching sessions and materials. Materials included Business Graduate Work Readiness Scale (BGWRS), Occupational Interests Profile (OIP), and Competency Evidence Log (CEL); provided by 10 trained academic coaches, trained in coaching skills, and psychometric test use. Multi-methods were used to gather data. This included a focus group interview, reflective essays, and evaluation forms. Findings suggest that psychometric knowledge helped to raise coach’s self-awareness, and understanding of careers that would fit their personality, including the knowledge and skills they should develop to ensure their readiness.