Work

Gaining insights into the employability of university graduates: implications from the students’ inputs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study utilizes students’ inputs to identify critical factors for employability by using Importance-Performance Analysis. A survey was conducted among fourth-year engineering students who had completed their senior-project course, assessing 22 employability factors across three employability stages: initial placement, maintaining employment, and transitioning to new roles. These factors were categorized into capabilities, skills, and attitudes. A total of 60 and 77 students from the classes of 2023 and 2024 participated. The findings highlight seven factors: applying knowledge for problem solving, critical thinking, analytical and problem-framing skills, applying STEM across industries, technology use in business, lifelong learning, and written communication. The findings align with the industry’s needs for adaptability and resilience of engineering graduates. For the key highlight, students emphasized learning skills over subject knowledge which indicated a shift in their perspective when looking at their careers. Future research will use these inputs to redesign the learning environment.

Source: Studies in Higher Education

DOI: 10.1080/03075079.2025.2531841

Authors: Kongkiti Phusavat, Pornthipa Ongkunaruk, Pornthep Anussornnitisarn

Institution: Kasetsart University

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education and Employability

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Research Council of Thailand