Influencing Factors of Employment Competitiveness in Relation to the Effects on Compensation of Higher Vocational Graduates Serving Regional Rail Transit Sectors

Studying can offer certain benefits for future careers. However, when applying for jobs that require a rail transit background, applicants often find themselves competing with others who have similar educational backgrounds. In such cases, it is a person's employability, including skills, abilities, and personal qualities, that can make them stand out. This research investigated the factors influencing employment competitiveness and their impact on the compensation of higher vocational graduates in the regional rail transit sector. Data was collected from 310 graduate respondents using a highly reliable and validated questionnaire, employing comparative-correlational methods. The study found that factors such as professional cognition, occupational planning, work experience, hobbies and interests, working attitude and abilities, educational background and professional setting, professional learning practical ability, and student cadre experience all play a role in determining employment competitiveness. Additionally, the personal profiles of the respondents were significant in their evaluations of employment competitiveness. Similarly, compensation factors for rail transit higher vocational graduates, including salary and benefit negotiation, taking on additional responsibilities, developing new skills and qualifications, and advocating for fair compensation practices, also have a significant impact on employment competitiveness. A strong correlation was observed between employment competitiveness factors and compensation effect domains, indicating a positive and significant relationship. These findings serve as a basis for developing career programs in schools to ensure the immediate employment prospects of rail transit graduates.