Strategies to Enhance the Graduate Employability: Case Study from the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Brawijaya, Indonesia

Vearen Dika Sofirudin, Lin Yung Feng

Abstract

This study examines the employability of graduates from the Faculty of Computer Science, Brawijaya University, by addressing three key aspects: graduate readiness for the labor market, barriers to employability, and strategies to enhance graduate employability. This study used a qualitative research approach with single case study to investigate the strategy that can be implemented to enhance graduate employability of the Faculty of Computer Science. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data was collected from 20 alumni who graduated in 2023 and 2024 and 4 teachers from the Department of Informatic Engineering and Department of Information System from the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Brawijaya, Indonesia. The CareerEDGE model and the Employability Skills Framework guided this research by providing a comprehensive understanding of employability. The findings of this study show that graduates' readiness is affected by a lack of knowledge and skills, a lack of practical skills, and inadequate soft skills. The study found that the barriers faced by graduates in entering the job market include skill gaps to industry demand, lack of practical experience, high competition in the industry, geographical or mobility issues faced in finding employment, and lack of confidence in abilities. This study offers several strategies that can be implemented to enhance graduate employability, namely aligning the curriculum with industry needs, strengthening collaboration between academic and industry, and improving career guidance and counselling services.

Keywords

Graduate Employability, Labor Market Readiness, Barriers to Employability, Higher Education Strategies, Strategy to Enhance Graduate Employability

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References

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/jiptek.v19i1.107708

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