Investigating employers’ and graduates’ perceptions about graduate employability skills in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigates perceptions of employers and graduates to identify employability skills expected by employers and graduates in Bangladesh. The study conducted a questionnaire survey with employers of several industries and business graduates of private universities selected conveniently. The respondents were asked to rate the 23 employability skills using a seven-point Likert-type scale. Results were analyzed by utilizing independent sample t-test on data collected from 263 graduates and employers. Results reveal that computer literacy, teamwork and cooperation, self-confidence, interpersonal understanding, and English language proficiency were the five most expected skills to employers, whereas analytical thinking, English language proficiency, creativity, innovation, and change, teamwork and cooperation, and achievement orientations were the most valued skills to graduates for their employability. Findings also reveal significant differences between the opinions of graduates and employers about employability skills. Results provide graduates a clear understanding about important skills they need to learn and expected by employers. Findings help universities and faculties to revise business programs to revise course curriculums to better address the skill demands of employers. This study addresses the research gap to conduct further studies in developing perspective on graduate employability taking opinions from graduates and employers.