Gaining insights into the employability of university graduates: implications from the students’ inputs
通过对工程专业高年级学生的调查，识别出影响就业能力的关键因素，包括问题解决、批判性思维等七项能力，发现学生更看重学习技能而非学科知识。
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.