Original Research
Self-perceived employability among undergraduate students at a South African university
Submitted: 31 May 2021 | Published: 08 November 2021
About the author(s)
Doret Botha, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South AfricaAbstract
Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being.
Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university.
Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa.
Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected through a web-based survey, using a standardised coded questionnaire that consisted of a five-point Likert-type scale.
Main findings: The results indicated that the respondents were relatively confident about their internal employability, but they were less confident about their opportunities in the external labour market.
Practical/managerial implications: Understanding one’s employability and the accompanied issues creates awareness of one’s potential, skills and knowledge to become a successful citizen and employee.
Contribution/value-add: The study shed light on the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university and consequently contributes to the existing literature on employability in the South African context.
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Crossref Citations
1. Graduate Employability of Business Students
Wise Mainga, Marlo B Murphy-Braynen, Remelda Moxey, Syed Abdul Quddus
Administrative Sciences vol: 12 issue: 3 first page: 72 year: 2022
doi: 10.3390/admsci12030072