A Framework to Enhance Graduate Employability

Aim/Purpose: Alignment of academic curricula and employer needs is widely discussed yet implementation lags. Research on EdD has universality for other programs may catalyze pedagogical innovation to promote employability in disciplines. Background: This study contributes evidence-based data strengthen career relevance programs, align curriculum content with industry requirements, prepare students the workforce, improve job placement rates, defined as degree-related employment. Methodology: In this mixed method study, current Doctor Education (EdD) employers graduates commented alignment industry-specific needs. Contribution: Results corporate partnership optimize Findings: Partnerships between educators developing can bridge specific skills gap enhance students’ understanding professional workplace capacity communicate, be empathetic, solve problems. Recommendations Practitioners: Educators adaptability continuous learning associated mastering new technology evolves. Employers provide skilling, reskilling, upskilling opportunities, offer shadowing internships, participate collaborative research. Recommendation Researchers: Researchers develop pedagogy targeting interpersonal, communication, participative, organizational competencies. Impact Society: Improving graduate creates positive outcomes graduates, educators, employers, global economy. Future Research: Perceived a powerful motivator. needed reframe synthesize discipline-specific generic skills, such teamwork, critical thinking, that self-confidence self-perceptions