WRITTEN REPORT

Graduate employability has been a long-time concern for university students. With
students investing more time and money into higher education, expecting to obtain a
job after graduating and an increase in social status. However, due to the disparity of
supply of university graduates and demand for employable skills, university students
must obtain skill and qualifications required to ensure employability after graduation
(Mok & Neubauer, 2016). Therefore, this report aims to discuss how graduates can
enhance employability after graduation by explaining and elaborating on employable
skills preferred by employers.

To increase employability upon graduation, student must gain skills preferred by

employers. Andrews and Higson (2008) had interviewed employers around the
globe, asking them what qualities, skills and attributes they look for when hiring
graduates: the employers stated that most valuable skills and attributes are ability to
work in a team, be able to understand, analyse and solve complex problems,
possess analytical skills, use knowledge to contribute towards the organisation, be
flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances. Moreover, reading, writing,
mathematical skills, learning skills, time management skills, positive attitude, self-
management are highly preferred (Ferns, 2012). Furthermore, a study into graduate
employment found a positive relationship between work experience and
employability (Gonzlez-Rom, Gamboa, & Peir). Indicating that the degree itself
falls short in providing all qualifications needed to be successfully employed after
graduation.

There are numerous opportunities for students currently in university to gain the
skills, achievements and attributes required by employers. Firstly, and probably most
importantly achievement a student can acquire is work experience. This can be
obtained by applying for internships and vacationer programs made available by
companies. This opportunity provides real-life practise as it allows student to apply
learnt knowledge to real life situation. Volunteering in local community is also a good
place to start (Dacre Pool & Sewell, 2007) as it helps improve communication skills,
provide opportunities to work as a team and build a positive relationship with other
volunteers. It is also believed that studying abroad will also enhance employability as
it depicts that student has being put in a situation where he or she had to adjust and
has worked with diverse cultures. Furthermore, attending workshops on self-
development and time-management skills can help students solidify their personal
attributes. Additionally, networking is also a crucial part of skill development as it
allows students to connect with people who share common interest as well as help
develop their professional communication.

Throughout this research it was made apparent that the degree itself falls short to
provide all qualifications and skills required by an employer. Hence, it is crucial that
students are constantly seeking opportunities to gain and enhance the skills,
attributes and qualifications mentioned throughout the report. These can be done by
networking, work experience, volunteering and attending workshops.
 Reference List

Andrews, J., & Higson, H. (2008). Graduate Employability, Soft Skills Versus Hard
Business Knowledge: A European Study. Higher Education in Europe, 33(4),
411-422. doi:10.1080/03797720802522627
Dacre Pool, L., & Sewell, P. (2007). The key to employability: developing a practical
model of graduate employability. Education+ Training, 49(4), 277-289.
Ferns, S. (2012). Graduate employability: Teaching staff, employer and graduate
perceptions. Paper presented at the 2012 Australian Collaborative Education
Network National Conference.
Gonzlez-Rom, V., Gamboa, J. P., & Peir, J. M. University Graduates
Employability, Employment Status, and Job Quality. Journal of Career
Development, 0(0), 0894845316671607. doi:doi:10.1177/0894845316671607
Mok, K. H., & Neubauer, D. (2016). Higher education governance in crisis: a critical
reflection on the massification of higher education, graduate employment and
social mobility. Journal of Education and Work, 29(1), 1-12.
doi:10.1080/13639080.2015.1049023