INTERNSHIP AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AS PREDICTORS OF GRADUATE READINESS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

This study investigates the impact of internships and employability skills on the work readiness of higher education graduates in Subang Regency, Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected from 122 graduates who had completed internships and had current or previous work experience. The findings reveal that both internships and employability skills have a significant and positive impact on graduate work readiness. Core employability competencies identified include adaptability, communication, and problem-solving skills. This research contributes by integrating these two key factors into a single conceptual framework, emphasizing their synergy in enhancing graduate preparedness. Additionally, the study addresses a research gap by focusing on a non-metropolitan area, offering insights applicable to similar regional contexts across developing nations. The results suggest that higher education institutions should strengthen practical exposure and soft skills development through targeted curriculum and industry collaboration.