Individual stories of agency: an exploratory study into the pandemic impact on students' employability skills

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students' employability skills and give insights into preparation for future crises that may happen.Design/methodology/approachEmploying an interpretative phenomenological approach with the frame of social cognitive theory, the current study examined the changes in environmental, behavioral and personal elements of human functioning for employability skills being affected by the conditions during the pandemic.FindingsFindings based on ten in-depth semi-structured interviews with students at universities in Vietnam highlighted that the global pandemic performed as both challenge and an opportunity for employability skills development, yet the extent to which the students can benefit from the new studying conditions attributed to each individual's initiatives in taking advantages of resources and acting against difficulties.Originality/valueWhether the pandemic became a hindrance or a motivation for students' employability skills to develop and whether students effectively utilized an agency to overcome challenges and improved their skills after the pandemic have not yet been investigated. This study added to the body of literature regarding self-regulated learners by demonstrating agency in the learning process as well as how to manage careers and improve employability skills by making use of resources in disconnected settings.

Bridging the Gap between Theoretical Learning and Practical Application: A Qualitative Study in the Italian Educational Context

“…With regard to the vocational purpose of the SWA experiences (1), it appears that many students had the opportunity to clarify their ideas about interests or future decisions thanks to SWA. This function was also observed in cases where the experience was not appreciated by students: "it allowed me to understand that I will never do that kind of job because I don't like it" (R. 45).…”

“…It embodies a deepseated belief in one's ability to actively shape and control the outcomes of one's actions. Several studies underlined that a robust sense of agency has far-reaching implication for an individual's employment, influencing both the mindset and actions in the pursuit of a successful career [44,45]. Firstly, individuals with a heightened sense of agency tend to approach challenges with a proactive attitude [46], viewing obstacles as opportunities for skill development and personal growth.…”