Beyond the Academic Curriculum: Embedding a Career Management Program to Improve the Employability of Business Students

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Beyond the Academic Curriculum: Embedding a Career Management Program to Improve the Employability of Business Students
Language: English
Authors: Fayrene Chieng (ORCID 0000-0001-7523-1688), Chai Lee Goi (ORCID 0000-0003-0131-2818), Jie Min Ho, Ka Yii Yip
Source: Education & Training. 2024 66(4):379-394.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Business Education, Program Effectiveness, Employment Potential, Career Development, Business Communication, Professionalism, Resumes (Personal), Curriculum Development, Student Empowerment, Individual Development, Self Esteem, Job Applicants, Business Schools, Asians, Undergraduate Students, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Malaysia
DOI: 10.1108/ET-01-2024-0009
ISSN: 0040-0912
1758-6127
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a career management program embedded within a business module, with a specific focus on enhancing the employability of students. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved five one-hour workshops based on the DOTS model, covering aspects like resume writing and professional communication. Surveys, using a structured questionnaire and a Likert scale, measured participants' perceived employability. The pre-survey included demographic details, while the post-survey evaluated the effectiveness of the Career development learning workshop. Incentives and QR codes were employed to boost participation, and data were collected at the semester's start and end, with responses linked through students' phone numbers. Findings: The results confirmed a positive connection between the perceived effectiveness of skill programs and students' employability. Integration of career management into the curriculum cultivates a heightened professional mindset and boosts employability. Validation through a paired-samples t-test demonstrates a substantial increase in perceived employability after program participation, affirming the program's role in fostering psychosocial empowerment and elevating students' confidence in job seeking. Originality/value: This pioneering research integrates a career management program into a business module, addressing employability challenges in Industry 4.0. It provides empirical evidence of the program's positive impact on students' perceived employability.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1431367
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a career management program embedded within a business module, with a specific focus on enhancing the employability of students. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved five one-hour workshops based on the DOTS model, covering aspects like resume writing and professional communication. Surveys, using a structured questionnaire and a Likert scale, measured participants' perceived employability. The pre-survey included demographic details, while the post-survey evaluated the effectiveness of the Career development learning workshop. Incentives and QR codes were employed to boost participation, and data were collected at the semester's start and end, with responses linked through students' phone numbers. Findings: The results confirmed a positive connection between the perceived effectiveness of skill programs and students' employability. Integration of career management into the curriculum cultivates a heightened professional mindset and boosts employability. Validation through a paired-samples t-test demonstrates a substantial increase in perceived employability after program participation, affirming the program's role in fostering psychosocial empowerment and elevating students' confidence in job seeking. Originality/value: This pioneering research integrates a career management program into a business module, addressing employability challenges in Industry 4.0. It provides empirical evidence of the program's positive impact on students' perceived employability.
ISSN:0040-0912
1758-6127
DOI:10.1108/ET-01-2024-0009