Rethinking Graduate Employability in Context: Discourse, Policy and Practice

This open-access book provides critical, multidisciplinary analyses of graduate employability, examining it at macro, meso, and micro levels in European, North American, and Australian contexts. It offers a social and contextual analysis of graduate employability as a theoretical concept, discourse, and policy imperative, and introduces novel methodological perspectives to study the process. The book is essential reading for courses on graduate careers, employability, and higher education policy and practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book provides critical, multidisciplinary analyses on graduate employability, delving into various dimensions and contexts. It examines employability at the macro, meso, and micro levels, encompassing higher education policy, the labor market, higher education institutions, organizations, individuals, and social groups in European, North American, and Australian contexts. The contributors offer insightful social and contextual examinations of graduate employability as a theoretical concept, a discourse, and a policy imperative, as well as a social and discursive practice. Additionally, the volume introduces novel methodological approaches to studying the process of graduate employability, addressing a pressing need for comprehensive and unified critical perspectives on this topic. Beyond bridging the literature gap, this book serves as an invaluable resource for courses focusing on graduate careers, employability, higher education policy, and practice.

Introduction:
Graduate employability has become a crucial concern in higher education, as it directly impacts the success and well-being of individuals in the job market. The demand for graduates with the necessary skills and competencies has increased, while the job market remains competitive and uncertain. This book aims to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary examination of graduate employability, exploring its various dimensions and contexts.

Macro-Level Analysis:
The macro-level analysis examines employability at the national, regional, and global levels. It explores the policies, regulations, and initiatives implemented by governments, organizations, and educational institutions to enhance graduate employability. This includes discussions on higher education policy, funding, curriculum development, and the role of universities in preparing graduates for the job market.

Meso-Level Analysis:
The meso-level analysis focuses on employability within specific sectors, industries, or professions. It examines the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for successful employment in these areas and the strategies employed by organizations to attract and retain graduates. This includes case studies, interviews, and surveys to understand the specific challenges and opportunities faced by graduates in different sectors.

Micro-Level Analysis:
The micro-level analysis examines employability at the individual and organizational levels. It explores the factors that influence graduate employability, such as personal attributes, skills, and experiences. It also examines the role of higher education institutions in fostering graduate employability, including the provision of career services, internships, and mentorship programs.

Contributors:
The book features contributions from leading scholars and experts in the field of graduate employability. The contributors provide social and contextual analysis of graduate employability as a theoretical concept, a discourse, and a policy imperative. They also offer novel methodological perspectives to study the process of graduate employability, including qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this open-access book offers critical, multidisciplinary analyses on graduate employability, providing a comprehensive understanding of its various dimensions and contexts. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in enhancing graduate employability and improving the outcomes of higher education. By addressing the urgent need for comprehensive and unified critical perspectives on graduate employability, this book contributes to the literature and policy discourse on this important topic.

Weight: 647g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031206528
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023