This study examines graduates’ employability, and the quantitative aspect of the proposed research involved collecting primary data through a self-administered questionnaire. Questions in the questionnaire were carefully crafted to be relevant to the study’s focus, and the language used was simple, clear, and understandable to the respondents, who were university graduates in Sri Lanka. Ethical considerations also included avoiding any misunderstandings. To ensure high generalsability, a simple random sampling technique was employed to select a representative sample of 382 from the total population of 25,890 graduates from various types of universities in Sri Lanka, thereby reflecting the population’s diversity.
The collected data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS software packages to generate the results. Research findings emphasise the need for holistic higher education strategies to enhance graduates’ employability. Therefore, universities should not only focus on imparting graduates’ skills but also on building their confidence, resilience, and adaptability, which significantly influence their employability. One of the most insightful findings of the study was that graduates’ employability in Sri Lanka and globally must be viewed as a shared responsibility. Accordingly, universities must nurture confidence and provide practical exposure to undergraduates aiming for employability soon after graduation. Policymakers must build bridges between academia and industry. Employers must target prospective university graduates for immediate employment and invest in early career development paths. Students must take ownership of their growth. Ultimately, graduates who believe in themselves are not only more employable but also more innovative, resilient, and ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Employability
Employability, as defined in literature, refers to the ability of graduates to secure and maintain employment that is not only suitable for living but also aligns with their skills, knowledge, and career aspirations.As such, employability is not solely a reflection of the academic qualifications that graduates possess, but rather a multifaceted attribute that encompasses a combination of personal qualities, technical skills, and social competencies highly valued by employers. Furthermore, employability extends far beyond securing a job after graduation. It involves graduates’ ability to adapt, progress, and thrive within dynamic job markets. This requires both hard skills, such as technical knowledge, and soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving,and adaptability. On the other hand, these skills and capabilities are highly valued by employers. As a result, significant amounts of research have focused on identifying the factors that contribute to the graduates’ employability.
Research found that quality of education is one of the key determinant factors for higher employability, The quality of the education includes the relevance of the curriculum to industry needs, the opportunities for practical learning, and the support provided by educational institutions in career development, for example, programs that incorporate internships, industry projects, and experiential learning which are associated with higher employability. In addition to educational factors, employability is also shaped by various other factors, including personal attributes, self-efficacy, motivation, and career aspirations. Among all, graduates with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely to engage in proactive job search behaviours, set ambitious career goals, and persist in the face of challenges, thereby significantly enhancing their employability.
Graduates’ employability is also influenced by many other external factors, such as well. Labour market conditions, economic trends, and the availability of job opportunities in specific industries were some of them. As such, employability is a dynamic construction that evolves, depending on a combination of individual, educational, and other contextual factors. These factors highlight graduates’ employability as a multifaceted construct that encompasses a range of skills, attributes, and experiences, enabling individuals to secure and maintain employment, thereby succeeding and progressing in their careers. It emphasises that employability is not a mere acquisition of a job post-graduation; it encompasses a broader understanding of how graduates can navigate the complexities of the job market, adapt to changing work environments, and continue developing their professional skills. In other words, employability effectively manages one’s career over time. These arguments emphasise that graduates’ employability has emerged as a central concern for higher education institutions, policymakers, and employers alike, and in Sri Lanka, it has become a national priority.
Recognising the critical importance of preparing university students for successful transitions into the workforce in today’s competitive job market, universities worldwide have implemented a range of programs and interventions to enhance the employability of their graduates. These initiatives range from traditional career development workshops and resume-building sessions to more innovative approaches, such as internships, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. Gradually, the concept of employability is increasingly viewed as a set of unique capabilities that graduates must possess to navigate the complexities of the job market.
Given its importance, enhancing graduates’ employability has become a primary goal for higher education institutions. Nowadays, universities in Sri Lanka are increasingly focusing on providing students with the skills, experiences, and support needed to succeed in the job market.
This includes not only delivering high-quality education but also offering career services, mentoring programs, and opportunities for networking with industry professionals. Additionally, policymakers are implementing initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment, such as funding for internships and creating partnerships between academia and industry, which have established year–long industry-partner relationships among them.
Not limited to these findings, employability is also a concern for employers, who are seeking prospective graduates with the correct set of skills and attributes needed to thrive in today’s competitive and rapidly changing work environments. Employers are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications to absorb the right candidates for the industry, considering factors such as experience, soft skills, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. As a result, graduates who possess a combination of these skills and capabilities have a greater chance of enhancing their employability. Accordingly, graduates’ employability is a complex and dynamic construct that is influenced by a range of individual, educational, and external factors. Enhancing employability requires a concerted effort from all key stakeholders in the higher education sector.
Key suggestions
For Higher Educational Institutions: Curriculum design must integrate employability-focused initiatives, such as internships, soft skill training, industry collaborations, and mentorship programs. These programs must also be regularly evaluated to ensure alignment with labour market needs. Institutions must go beyond academic delivery and rely more on skills and capabilities.
For Policymakers: There is a compelling case for national policies that support structured internships, incentivise private-public educational partnerships, and mandate employability modules in undergraduate programs. Accessibility is also crucial for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, who should have equal access to these opportunities.
For Employers: Employers should recognise the value of self-efficacy and capability as performance indicators. Orientation programs, mentorship, and professional development pathways should focus on building the confidence of new graduates. Rather than relying solely on academic qualifications, recruitment strategies should prioritise resilience, adaptability, and proactive behaviour accordingly.
For University Students: Students must understand employability as a long-term view. Proactive involvement in university activities, internship programmes, and skills development workshops during their undergraduate period will not only enhance their resumes but also build their confidence.
Self-belief is not just a feeling – it’s a competency that grows with experience and effort. The employability of graduates has garnered increasing attention in today’s competitive job market, and there has been a growing interest in understanding the factors that influence graduates’ employability. In conclusion, while significant attempts have been made to understand the factors that contribute to graduates’ employability, it remains a need for further research into this area.
Author
Dr. D.S.Peiris (Ph.D, MSU Malaysia)
Director, Management and Science Institute (MSI)
Co Authors
Prof. Dr. Junainah Abd Hamid, Prof. Dr. Ali Khatibi, Asso. Prof. Dr. M. Ferdous
Azam and Asso. Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Tham of Management and Science University (MSU) Malaysia
Published on Letters in High Energy Physics
