University students’ digital world of work readiness in relation to their employability competency

Abstract

This research empirically examined the extent to which university students’ perceptions about their readiness for the digital-era work world predict their sense of employability competency. Data were collected from 486 undergraduate students of a comprehensive South African distance learning higher education institution. Regression analysis and structural equation modelling revealed that students’ perceptions of their world of work readiness (i.e. job/occupation certitude and job/occupation fitness) significantly predict their sense of employability competency. The study highlights the importance of building confidence or certainty within students during their academic career about the knowledge, skills and occupations they want to pursue in the digital-era work sphere to positively influence their sense of employability competency. Should they feel positive about their work world readiness, they are more likely to exhibit the employability competency of business ingenuity and social digital agility which are deemed essential for the new normal work context.

Work readiness of graduates in the digital age: A literature review

“…Regarding higher education institutions, the integration of career development plans and career responsiveness into training curricula should be executed (Potgieter, Coetzee, & Ferreira, 2023) in order to equip human, social, psychological, cultural, and digital competencies for students from the time they are studying at universities. In addition, Ma'dan, Imail, and Daud (2020) also recommend that universities need to adjust appropriate modifications to the curriculum, integrating value-added activities to enhance the ability to meet job demands.…”

Self-regulatory employability attributes and competency: the strengthening role of grit

“…Career agility alludes to self-regulated autonomy whereby individuals show agentic readiness to manage career goals, seek out new career development opportunities because of an openmindedness towards changing employment conditions ( Coetzee, 2019 , 2022 ). Research indicates the psychosocial mindset denoted by career agility as an important attribute for perceived employability competency ( Potgieter et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Autonomy and leadership skills relate to the ability to function autonomously and exhibiting confidence in building networks, influence and persuade others and empower self and others. Personal employability qualities are important human capital resources such as the ability to manage and use time efficiently and productively, adapt to changing conditions, follow through and deliver on results and keeping knowledge and skills updated ( Potgieter et al, 2023 ).…”