Naimatullah Shah, Safia Bano, U. Saraih, N. Abdelwahed, B. Soomro
{"title":"Leading towards the students’ career development and career intentions through using multidimensional soft skills in the digital age","authors":"Naimatullah Shah, Safia Bano, U. Saraih, N. Abdelwahed, B. Soomro","doi":"10.1108/et-12-2022-0470","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-12-2022-0470","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn the digital age, the development of students’ career intentions requires serious concentration since these are associated with the students’ future employment and, ultimately, their survival. This study attempted to demonstrate in Pakistan’s Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) the role of soft skills towards the students' career development (CD) and their future career intentions (CI).Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach and a questionnaire to collect the data from the surveyed participants. Finally, the researchers based this study’s findings on 392 useable samples.FindingsBy employing the structural equation model (SEM), this study’s findings show that soft skills, such as Creative Self-Efficacy (CSE), Problem-Solving Confidence (PSC) and Teamwork (TW) have a positive and significant effect on CD and CI. However, while Critical thinking and Creativity (CRC) has a positive and significant effect on CD, it has no effect on CI. In addition, this study’s findings confirm, also, that CD has a positive and significant effect on CI.Practical implicationsThis study’s findings assist policymakers and university administrators to understand the importance of soft skills in creating CD and CI. These promote the development of employability skills and fulfill its part in preparing graduates for the unpredictable job market. This study’s findings help, also, to develop logical reasoning in making decisions and in dealing with complex organizational issues.Originality/valueIn a practical way, in Pakistan, this study’s findings confirm the role of soft skills towards students' CD and CI.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45116149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Pilar Jerez Gomez, A. Bojica, J. Martínez-Del-Río, Reem Karaja
{"title":"Designing successful internships: exploring the role of duration, formalization and motivational practices","authors":"Maria Pilar Jerez Gomez, A. Bojica, J. Martínez-Del-Río, Reem Karaja","doi":"10.1108/et-12-2021-0480","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-12-2021-0480","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to shed light on how internships' features drive employability outcomes and answers the question of how internships that maximize the employability of interns can be designed. The study assumes that the duration of an internship, degree of formalization and the use of internship-specific motivational practices by companies are likely to influence interns' perceptions of employability.Design/methodology/approachA study among interns investigated the relationship between different internship features and interns' employability. Data on the duration of the internship, motivational practices specific to internships and the formalization of the internship process were collected from a large sample of 13,565 interns in 27 European countries from 15 to 35 years old.FindingsThe findings suggest that internship duration has a curvilinear effect on employability with increasing effects on employability at the beginning of the internship, followed by a decrease over time. In addition, the use of practices specifically designed to motivate interns also favors the interns' employability. Finally, formalization of the internship placement moderates the effect of motivational practices on employability.Originality/valueBy identifying key features of the internship experience – duration, formalization and motivational practices – the authors contribute to the theory related to the development of career resources and employability in young adults and show that these features significantly shape young adults' employability perceptions.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"62197196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. M. Asad, Pireh Mahar, Al-Karim Datoo, F. Sherwani, Razali Hassan
{"title":"Impact of quality assurance on TVET programs for the digital employment market of IR 4.0 in Pakistan: a quantitative investigation","authors":"M. M. Asad, Pireh Mahar, Al-Karim Datoo, F. Sherwani, Razali Hassan","doi":"10.1108/et-08-2022-0295","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-08-2022-0295","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeIn the current period quality assurance (QA) and technical vocational education and training (TVET) are known as the two comprehensively examined ideas in schooling, dependent on exceptional abilities in this modern era of Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0. The incapability or need for QA of technology-oriented programs has been dissected by policy makers as a hindrance in accomplishing the TVET objectives. Consequently, the reason for this exploration paper was to contemplate over the impact and association of QA on TVET programs and level of preparedness of TVET teachers for the market of IR 4.0 in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachIn this study a quantitative research method with survey-based research has been used whereas, two research questions and hypotheses were structured and explained to lead the study. The research sample was 475 TVET teachers having technical competence for Pakistan using the random sampling technique. The instrument was an adapted questionnaire using five Likert scales. Moreover, mean and standard deviation was utilized while one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation was used to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe findings of this study uncovered that there is no significant impact of QA of TVET programs to fulfill the need of IR 4.0 in Pakistan. But there is strong and positive association between QA of TVET programs as per the demand of IR 4.0 and level of preparedness of teachers toward it. The study suggested that in order to meet the labor market's requirements according to IR 4.0, future employment demand could be met by assuring their TVET programmers' QA and putting them into practice in accordance with the indicators and the TVET framework suggested in literature and by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is widely accepted. The findings will also help to detect current trends in teaching, providing important insights in terms of QA and the focus of digitalization in TVET education.Practical implicationsThe implication of this study is that in order to influence TVET's technological development, employment and national development, policy makers, TVET principals, coordinators and teachers must work on important aspects of their access that are very important on inclusion, financing and quality – the assurance of standards, as it meets the needs of the country according to the IR 4.0 labor market.Originality/valueThis is one of the unique studies of its nature which has focused on the QA on TVET programs for the digital employment market of IR 4.0 in Pakistan and South Asia.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47751254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kelly Benati, Sophie Lindsay, J. O'Toole, Juan Fischer
{"title":"Career planning and workforce preparation during economic downturn: perceptions of graduating business students","authors":"Kelly Benati, Sophie Lindsay, J. O'Toole, Juan Fischer","doi":"10.1108/et-10-2021-0389","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-10-2021-0389","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeTo gather insight into how graduating business students are preparing for the workplace and their future careers and how this has been impacted by COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 144 business students at an Australian university who had recently completed an internship and were nearing graduation took part in the study. Group A was surveyed before COVID-19 had emerged and Group B undertook their internships during a COVID-19 lockdown when the related economic downturn had become apparent. The responses were analysed using career construction theory (CCT).FindingsThis study concludes that graduating students do not generally place greater emphasis on career planning in times of economic downturn. However, they do devote more effort to job search and networking activities. They also display more career decisiveness and are less willing to seek out information about potential careers or their suitability for them. Their confidence in embarking on a career was not impacted.Research limitations/implicationsThis enables us to form a more complete picture of how graduating students perceive their work-readiness and the action they feel is important in order to improve their employability.Practical implicationsThis has implications for career practitioners and employers of graduates as it adds to the knowledge of employability and the decision-making process in times of economic crisis and is particularly important for the tertiary education sector as it seeks to better target initiatives to aid employability in graduates.Originality/valueThe results increase the understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on early career development and argue that early-career decision-making is a specific area requiring investigation.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49312398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Business students' psychological capital and quality of university life: the moderating role of study crafting","authors":"Nguyen Dinh Tho","doi":"10.1108/et-05-2022-0176","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-05-2022-0176","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study takes its basis in job demands-resources (JD-R) and psychological resource theories to investigate the role of two personal factors – psychological capital (PsyCap) and study crafting – in the quality of university life of business students.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 806 undergraduate business students in Vietnam was surveyed to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate the measures and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the model and hypotheses.FindingsThe results produced by SEM demonstrated that students' PsyCap had a positive effect on quality of university life. In addition, study crafting positively moderated the relationship between students' PsyCap and quality of university life.Practical implicationsThe study findings suggest that universities could complement higher performance standards of universities with efforts to enhance quality of university life by developing and nurturing students' PsyCap and study crafting, enabling students to rise to the challenge posed by higher standards.Originality/valueThe study findings contribute to the literature on business education by confirming the overarching role that PsyCap plays in the quality of university life of students. Further, the study introduces the concept of study crafting and demonstrates that study crafting alone and in combination with PsyCap may help business students enjoy a higher quality of university life.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45154505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing graduates' transversal competences through an adapted MMI model: confidant interview vs stress interview","authors":"Carla Freire, I. Barbosa","doi":"10.1108/et-05-2022-0195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-05-2022-0195","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this article is to compare graduates' score rates in two multiple mini-interview (MMI) stations designed to assess graduates from several academic areas: confidant vs stress interview and synchronous vs asynchronous. This relates to three transversal competences (TCs) (learning to learn [LL], positive professional attitude [PPA] and market orientation [MO]) and analyses the impact of global performance during interviews, in the context of the hypothetical hiring decision.Design/methodology/approachThe paired samples t-test was employed to compare the scores obtained by 130 graduates in two assessment exercises, which were designed to evaluate the same set of TCs. Multiple linear regression models were estimated to model the effect of global performance during the interview on the hypothetical hiring decision.FindingsResults indicate a significant difference in averages between the graduates' TCs scores in confidant interviews, when compared with stress interviews. However, this is only observed in synchronous evaluations. In both interviews, the assessment of the participant's global performance has a significant effect on the hypothetical hiring decision.Research limitations/implicationsIn the confidant interview, the interviewer was also the synchronous evaluator, which may have affected their focus on the evaluation process. The order in which graduates participated in the confidant and stress interviews varied, thus possibly influencing their performance.Practical implicationsThe results are relevant for HEIs, graduates and employers involved in the evaluation of TCs.Originality/valueThe article derives from a broader research project which adapted the MMI model to other academic areas. It considers two instruments to evaluate graduates' TCs and two assessment circumstances.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42820893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria S. Plakhotnik, Kristina S. Shmaytser, Kirill A. Feofilov
{"title":"How attractive are internship advertisements to prospective applicants? A mixed-method examination through the lens of employer branding","authors":"Maria S. Plakhotnik, Kristina S. Shmaytser, Kirill A. Feofilov","doi":"10.1108/et-11-2021-0432","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-11-2021-0432","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate attractiveness of internship advertisements to the prospective applicants through the lens of employer branding. By giving attention to internship attractiveness, universities and companies expand current collaborations around internship provision to enhance student internship experiences, satisfaction and employment prospects and to foster long-term sustainability of internship programs.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a mixed-methods design employing a concurrent triangulation strategy. The authors conducted a content analysis of 94 internship listings published in the largest Russian job portal, HeadHunter, and collected surveys from 274 prospective interns.FindingsThe study shows a mismatch between employer branding strategies and prospective interns' perceptions of employer attractiveness. Companies emphasize economic value and visual identity as well as functional attributes, while prospective interns prioritize development value and symbolic attributes. The findings suggest internship advertisements do not appeal to potential applicants.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are limited to business students from specific universities in Russia, so further research is needed to include students with different majors and from other countries. The study is also limited to advertisements available via a large online job portal. A comparative analysis of effectiveness of various communication channels for internship promotion could yield useful results.Practical implicationsCareer center advisors, academic program directors and internship coordinators should work with company leaders, human resources and marketing decision-makers, and recruitment specialists to better understand interns' drivers of attraction and audit the internship advertisements. Employers could use the study results to strengthen recruiting messages and, hence, attractiveness of the employer brand to potential interns.Originality/valueThe study contributes by applying the employer branding theory to an understudied population of interns, hence providing new insights into internships as collaboration between universities and companies. By focusing on internship positions, which differ from full-time permanent positions across many aspects, including the positions' duration, pay, supervision and purpose, the study assists in understanding the distinct drivers of attraction of interns, which are missing from published research on the topic.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49434357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"University-supported job search methods and educational mismatch in bachelor's and master's graduates","authors":"Cecilia Albert, M. A. Davia","doi":"10.1108/et-04-2022-0144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-04-2022-0144","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper addresses the relevance of job search methods and strategies in determining vertical mismatch and the risk of underusing skills or knowledge in first jobs amongst graduates from bachelor's and master's programmes in Spain. Support from universities (via internships and career services) is compared to support from public institutions and informal strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the 2019 University Graduate Job Placement Survey. The dependent variables are estimated with a bivariate probit model with sample selection on a subsample of graduates who were not working at graduation.FindingsInternships and university career employment offices significantly improve the quality of first job matches. Job banks and public examinations also contribute to finding well-matched first positions, while for public employment services, results are mixed. When the job search is not supported by institutions, graduates generally do worse finding their first jobs, particularly when temporary employment agencies are involved. There are also large differences in mismatch risks across fields of study.Practical implicationsIf more graduates found their first jobs through internships and university job placement services, educational mismatch rates would decrease substantially. Further collaboration between universities and employers for the provision of high-quality internships may foster their conversion into regular, well-matched jobs. Industrial policies addressed to knowledge-based economic activities would enhance the creation of highly skilled positions. Further orientation towards STEM degrees is required to improve imbalances between supply and demand for graduate labour in Spain.Originality/valueEvidence about education mismatch among master's degree graduates is very scarce. This paper compares them to bachelor's degree graduates. It addresses two complementary types of education mismatch and takes into account potential self-selection into post-graduation job search.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43453226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María Inmaculada Sánchez-Queija, Laura Sánchez-García, A. Rothwell, Á. Parra
{"title":"Differences in self-perceived employability between university and VET students: an analysis of emerging adults in Spain","authors":"María Inmaculada Sánchez-Queija, Laura Sánchez-García, A. Rothwell, Á. Parra","doi":"10.1108/et-09-2022-0366","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-09-2022-0366","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe present study analyzes differences in self-perceived employability (SPE) among Spanish university and vocational education and training (VET) students. It also aims to determine whether factors such as gender, work experience and perceptions of the precariousness of the job market have a differential effect on SPE in accordance with the training pathway chosen by emerging adults.Design/methodology/approachA total of 1,715 university students (64.7% women) and 488 VET students (37.1% women) aged between 18 and 29 years completed a self-administered questionnaire that included measures of perceived employability and precarious employment.FindingsThe results indicate higher SPE among VET students than among their university counterparts. Female university students scored lower also than their male colleagues, an effect that was not observed among VET students. Prior work experience improved internal SPE among students on both training pathways. However, among university students, work experience and precarious employment reduced external SPE, an affect that was not observed among VET students.Practical implicationsThe analysis of differences in SPE between university and VET students highlights the importance of an educational curriculum that includes practical competences for enhancing employability. The results also reflect the negative consequences of precarious employment on feelings of employability during this life stage, particularly among those studying at university.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to analyze the perceived employability of emerging adults on two different training pathways in Spain.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43945426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"LinkedIn as a pedagogical tool for careers and employability learning: a scoping review of the literature","authors":"M. Healy, S. Cochrane, P. Grant, Marita Basson","doi":"10.1108/et-01-2022-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/et-01-2022-0004","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeProfessional networks are conduits for career insight, vehicles for career exploration and incubators of professional identity. Accordingly, LinkedIn is a rich environment for university students' careers and employability learning. In this article, the authors review how the pedagogical use of LinkedIn has been conceived, implemented and evaluated in higher education research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a scoping literature review on research articles and chapters investigating the use of LinkedIn for careers and employability learning. The authors conducted a systematic database search and screened the results, resulting in 30 eligible studies. Each study was analysed for research characteristics, theoretical foundations, reported affordances or outcomes and critical concerns.FindingsThe authors find little evidence of cohesion or consistency in the existing research. Studies draw on different theoretical and methodological approaches and use different measures of networking behaviours and competencies. Studies tend not to consider ethical concerns about using LinkedIn as a pedagogical tool.Practical implicationsThe authors argue this is not yet a body of research that supports the synthesis necessary for a reliable evidence base. The authors recommend that educators employing LinkedIn in the curriculum ground their work in more coherent, cohesive and integrated theories of careers and employability learning.Originality/valueThis review summarises a body of literature on the use of LinkedIn as a pedagogical tool for careers and employability learning in higher education. This review describes and critiques the beginnings of an evidence-base from which educators can further investigate how students can be supported to develop their online professional networking skills.","PeriodicalId":47994,"journal":{"name":"Education and Training","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43998728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}