The purpose of this study was to explore how undergraduate engineering students understand employability, the activities they link to employability, and how students perceive their own employability development over the span of their degree. The intention is to use the findings to inform curricular strategies to improve graduate outcomes for engineering students.

The study used a mixed-method approach combining use of a self-perceived employability scale with open-ended survey questions, followed by focus groups, to explore student perceptions of employability and how it changes over time. The results showed that students have a range of perspectives on the meaning of employability, with most seeing employability as being about having the right skills, attributes and competencies that are needed by employers. Participants also noted a range of activities that build employability, highlighting the importance of work experience and developing relevant skills. It was also found that perceived employability drops as students progress through the year levels of their degree. Although final year students were aware of their professional and personal development through their studies, the need to compete to find a graduate position is a source of anxiety and stress, which negatively impacts on how they perceive their own employability.

The study presents three significant implications for universities considering implementing employability development strategies. First, universities should ensure there is a shared understanding of employability within their student cohort, and consider reframing employability as being about becoming a professional through explicit use of relevant industry competencies. Secondly, universities need to implement strategies to assist students develop a job application “toolkit” so they can apply for work experience and industry placements. Lastly, as competing for jobs is a stressful process, universities need to ensure students are prepared for job interviews where they need to articulate their skills to demonstrate their worthiness for employment.