Fostering Student Employability through Second Classroom Practical Activities: A Case Study

This study explores how second-classroom practical activities foster the employability of university graduates in China, focusing on the case of Jiangxi University of Applied Technology. Utilizing a qualitative case study design grounded in social constructionism and an interpretivist lens, data were collected through in-depth interviews with employed graduates, faculty members, and business managers. Findings revealed that extracurricular engagements such as academic competitions, volunteerism, club leadership, and industry-led seminars significantly enhance graduates’ soft and hard skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and industry readiness. While these activities effectively bridge theory and practice, barriers such as limited faculty involvement, time constraints, and misaligned school-industry goals hinder their full impact. Stakeholders emphasized the need for real-world simulations, corporate mentorship, and robust evaluation systems. The study concludes that second-classroom initiatives are vital to holistic student development and calls for strategic reforms to strengthen institutional support, foster long-term industry partnerships, and align programs with evolving labor market demands. These insights contribute to advancing experiential learning models aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly quality education and decent work.