Enhancing the measurement of employability in engineering: insights from a systematic literature review

Enhancing graduate employability is a growing priority in higher education, yet how to conceptualise and assess it remains contested. This study identifies key limitations in employability assessment within the discipline of engineering based on a systematic review of 26 existing measurement instruments. Six critical insights for developing robust measures are identified: 1) conceptual clarity and consensus, 2) discipline (and sub-discipline) specificity, 3) holistic developmental foci, 4) translational rigour in operational definitions, 5) rigorous empirical validation, and 6) robust and apposite reporting mechanisms. Building on these insights, we recommend that employability measurement in engineering shift from short-term industry alignment toward future-oriented approaches that prioritise adaptability and long-term value for graduates, employers, and society. Additionally, higher education institutions should adopt comprehensive, validated frameworks and foster collaboration across academia, industry, and policymakers to improve employability measurement in engineering education.