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Training higher education students for employability skills: Is it worth it?

Author

Listed:
  • Mercedes Rubio-Andrés

    (Complutense University of Madrid, Spain)

  • María del Mar Ramos-González

    (Complutense University of Madrid, Spain)

  • Manuel M. Molina-López

    (CEU San Pablo University, Spain)

  • Miguel Ángel Sastre-Castillo

    (Complutense University of Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

This paper reflects on the importance of employability skills for higher education students in the present and future working environment to determine the impact these skills may have on student competitiveness and satisfaction. The study focused on university students in the Madrid region during their final academic year who participated in a teaching activity that launched real business challenges. We created a model that analyzed the impact of employability skills on student competitiveness and satisfaction and the mediating role of competitiveness in two different moments (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic). Empirical findings suggest that students' improved employability skills increased their competitiveness and satisfaction, with competitiveness as a mediating factor. Thus, academic authorities must focus on students acquiring employability skills, which are among the most valuable in the labour market and positively impact student competitiveness and satisfaction. This way, future graduates can work successfully in a changing and demanding world and find positions aligned with their training. In contrast to some studies that place the teacher as the research target, ours focused on the student and the impact these skills have on the variables mentioned.

Suggested Citation

  • Mercedes Rubio-Andrés & María del Mar Ramos-González & Manuel M. Molina-López & Miguel Ángel Sastre-Castillo, 2023. "Training higher education students for employability skills: Is it worth it?," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 10(4), pages 390-407, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:10:y:2023:i:4:p:390-407
    DOI: 10.9770/jesi.2023.10.4(24)
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vladimir Menshikov & Oksana Ruza, 2021. "Entrepreneurial potential of students," University Economic Bulletin, Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav, Faculty of Financial, Economic and Vocational Education, issue 49, pages 70-80, May.
    2. Vladimir Menshikov & Irena Kokina & Oksana Ruza, 2021. "The entrepreneurial potential of Latvian students: the role of the university environment," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 9(1), pages 502-518, September.
    3. Hogan, Robert & Chamorro-Premuzic, Tomas & Kaiser, Robert B., 2013. "Employability and Career Success: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Reality," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(1), pages 3-16, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    competence; higher education; ability; attitudes; entrepreneurial intention;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A23 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Graduate
    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions

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