EMPLOYABILITY TRACER STUDY OF NAZARBAYEV UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

Abstract

The concept of graduate employability has gained significant attention in recent decades due to the evolving relationship between education and work. This study explores the employment experiences and perceptions of Nazarbayev University (NU) graduates, examining factors influencing their transition into the workforce. Employing a non-experimental cross-sectional quantitative research design to select participants from the entire population of NU graduates it focuses on dimensions such as employment status, job relevance to academic programs, reasons for unemployment, monthly earnings, time to secure the first job, perceived curriculum relevance, valuable competencies acquired, and satisfaction with career services. Data collection involves administering structured questionnaires via the online platform Qualtrics XM, ensuring participants’ informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity. In addition to frequencies and percentages, descriptive and inferential statistics are used to analyze the relationships between variables. The findings reveal significant associations between job relevance and academic discipline, gender-based disparities in income levels, and varying perceptions of curriculum relevance across different disciplines. Notably, research, ethical skills, and cultural awareness emerge as highly valued competencies among graduates. Moreover, while the majority of respondents report satisfaction with career services, opportunities for enhancement and increased awareness of these services are identified. By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by NU graduates, this research offers valuable insights for the improvement of education quality and career services, thus empowering the alumni for professional success.