Upskilling for Employability: A Study of Student Perceptions in Higher Education
Keywords:
upskilling, professional development, employability, industry expectationsAbstract
The modern job market is continuously evolving due to rapid technological advancements, globalization, and increased competition among professionals. In this changing environment, academic qualifications alone are often not sufficient to meet industry expectations. As a result, the concept of upskilling has become increasingly important for students preparing to enter the workforce. Upskilling refers to the process of learning new skills or improving existing competencies to enhance employability and career growth. The present study aims to examine the perception of undergraduate students toward upskilling and understand how students view its importance in their academic and professional development. The study focuses on identifying students' awareness of upskilling, their interest in learning new skills, and the factors that influence their participation in skill development activities. The research is descriptive in nature and is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 167 undergraduate students. The collected data were analysed using statistical tools such as simple descriptive analysis. The findings of the study indicate that the majority of students recognise the importance of upskilling in improving employability and career opportunities. Many respondents believe that developing both technical and soft skills is essential to succeed in the modern workplace. However, some students face challenges such as a lack of guidance, time constraints, and limited awareness regarding skill development opportunities. The study concludes that continuous learning and skill development are essential for students to remain competitive in the evolving job market. Educational institutions, industries, and policymakers should collaborate to promote skill development programs that help students acquire industry-relevant competencies and prepare them for future career challenges.
Keywords: upskilling, professional development, employability, industry expectations
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