Key Determinants of University Graduates’ Success in Securing Employment in Labor Market

Description

This study investigated Key Determinants of University Graduates’ Success in Securing Employment in the Labor Market in Rwanda. The study also aimed to explore the challenges faced by university graduates as they transition from academia to workforce and to identify strategies that higher education institutions can adopt to better prepare their graduates for professional environments. Using purposive sampling, 30 unemployed graduates, 100 employed graduate, 20 human resource managers, and 15 educators were selected for this study. The data was collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data gathered from these interviews, revealing recurring patterns, underlying meanings, and significant themes. In addition, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The findings identifies key determinants for success in the labor market, such as strong alignment between academic programs and industry expectations, as well as the acquisition of essential hard and soft skills, including digital literacy and effective application and interview skills.