Working up to work: Perceived employability of students commencing a project management degree

Abstract

The successful acquisition of employment is influenced by a number of parameters, including the individual's perception that they are employable. This research uses sequential mixed methods to measure the perceived employability of commencing undergraduate students of a project management degree at an Australian university. Participants had lower scores on all employability dimensions in comparsion to students who had already commenced their degree, with the exception of collaboration. Gender differences emerged, with females having lower levels than males on the commencement readiness and lifelong learning dimensions. Students did not link previous work experience to perceived employability, and employability was not framed within a project management context for commencing students. Findings suggest that universities should include career education early in the qualification so that preparatory skills and knowledge are developed. Findings also highlight the importance of perceived employability in relation to project management, and how employability differs across industries and project types.

Keywords

• Employability
• Higher education
• Project management
• Students
• Work-readiness