English Language Proficiency and Career Opportunities: Perceptions of Indonesian University Graduates

Abstract

This research investigates the crucial role of English Language Proficiency (ELP) in shaping career prospects amid Indonesia's dynamic job market. The study aims to comprehend the viewpoints of recent Indonesian university graduates on the significance of English proficiency for their professional growth, considering the escalating global interconnectedness where English is pivotal for professional communication. Conducted qualitatively with 30 graduates from diverse academic fields, the research reveals unanimous agreement among participants regarding the paramount importance of English proficiency in career advancement, particularly in international contexts. Despite this consensus, a significant gap exists between employers' expectations and graduates' actual capabilities, emphasizing the need for improved English language education at the university level. The study also highlights varied experiences of graduates in utilizing English across sectors, emphasizing its critical role in navigating professional challenges. The findings underscore the urgency for educational institutions to revise English language training to meet global economic demands. This adaptation aims to equip Indonesian graduates with practical language skills crucial for professional success and global competitiveness. The research advocates for policy and strategy revisions, encouraging policymakers and educational leaders to enhance language training frameworks in Indonesian universities for comprehensive career development.

Keywords

• English as a foreign language; education; proficiency; career; educational policy
• EFL
• Education
• Language Proficiency
• Language Policy
• Academic Language