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Perceived employability among undergraduates and the importance of career self-management, work experience and individual characteristics

Wilton, Nicholas; Jackson, Denise; Wilton, Nick

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Authors

Nicholas Wilton

Denise Jackson

Nicholas Wilton Nicholas.Wilton@uwe.ac.uk
Faculty Academic Director - Strategic Partnerships



Abstract

© 2016 HERDSA. Underemployment, continued growth in the supply of graduates and seemingly perpetual instability are dominant trends in graduate labour markets. In order to negotiate an increasingly complex career terrain, graduates require sharpened skills in effectively managing their own careers and a strong assurance of their own capabilities. This study focuses on the individual dimensions of perceived employability (PE) and explores perceptions among undergraduates and the associated influence of career management competencies, work experience and individual characteristics. Data were collected for 480 business undergraduates at a UK and Australian university using an online survey. Findings indicate that, overall, undergraduates demonstrated reasonably high levels of PE. Certain career management competencies influenced perceptions, in addition to work experience and individual characteristics. The study is relevant to stakeholders, including educators, employers and students, from developed economies as it highlights coherent strategies to enhance PE among higher education students. These may lead to increased individual success in the labour market and more effective recruitment, retention and performance of new graduates.

Citation

Wilton, N., Jackson, D., & Wilton, N. (2017). Perceived employability among undergraduates and the importance of career self-management, work experience and individual characteristics. Higher Education Research and Development, 36(4), 747-762. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2016.1229270

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 4, 2016
Online Publication Date Sep 16, 2016
Publication Date Jun 7, 2017
Deposit Date Dec 9, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Higher Education Research and Development
Print ISSN 0729-4360
Electronic ISSN 1469-8366
Publisher Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 36
Issue 4
Pages 747-762
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2016.1229270
Keywords career management competencies, employment, perceived employability, work experience
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/888698
Publisher URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07294360.2016.1229270?journalCode=cher20
Additional Information Additional Information : This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Higher Education Research and Development on 16/09/2016, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/07294360.2016.1229270.

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