Employability Skill Gap Analysis Among the Management Graduates and Services Sector Employers in Manipur

This study explores the gap in employability skills between management students and employers in the service sector, focusing on select service firms in Imphal. The research aims to identify discrepancies between the skills management students acquire during their academic journey and the skills employers demand when hiring graduates in the service industry. Through a comprehensive analysis, this case study highlights the critical employability skills needed by the service sector, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and industry-specific knowledge. The study draws on primary data collected from both management students and employers in the service sector, offering insights into the areas of alignment and mismatch in terms of skill expectations and readiness for employment. The findings suggest that while management students possess foundational knowledge, gaps exist in their practical skills, industry exposure, and readiness to meet the dynamic demands of the service sector. Employers emphasize the need for students to develop more hands-on experience, advanced problem-solving abilities, and soft skills that are essential for thriving in the workplace. The study concludes with the current and future needs of employability skills of management students in entering the service sector in Imphal, ultimately improving employability out comes for graduates.