Future of work – apprehensions and excitement of management graduates
Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning
ISSN: 2042-3896
Article publication date: 8 May 2023
Issue publication date: 20 October 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores the perceptions of graduates on their employability and future of work, in light of the challenges thrown upon by new vicissitudes in the work environment. The study intends to assess the preparedness of management graduates in facing the challenges and uncertainties of the actual job market.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured and informal interviews with 65 management graduates from UK, Canada, Italy and India. The thematic analysis uncovered the concerns and areas to develop for management graduates regarding their future employability perceptions.
Findings
The authors benefited from a unique opportunity to capture the views and experience of graduates who are undergoing management education during this ambiguous period. Three major themes were developed on how to develop oneself for an ambiguous future of work which includes Psychological strengths, Skill enhancement and Future mindset. The study also unearthed the major focus areas for better employability from a graduate perspective.
Practical implications
Practical contribution comes from strategies to prepare university graduates for sustainable careers. Study hints at the importance of work experience, adaptability and skill enhancement in meeting the challenges of the future.
Originality/value
From a global approach this is one among the first studies to look into the graduate perspective of their preparedness for future work.
Keywords
Citation
P.M., N., Mukundan, S.P., Jose, G., Tesi, A. and Alias, R. (2023), "Future of work – apprehensions and excitement of management graduates", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 13 No. 5, pp. 911-926. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-08-2022-0181
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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