Exploring the Impact of Career Self-Efficacy and Parental Influence on Employability Skills in Diploma Students: A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction:The development of employability skills among diploma students is increasingly recognized as essential for successful career transitions.Two critical factors career selfefficacy and parental influence are frequently highlighted in recent scholarship, yet their combined impact remains underexplored.This review aims to examine the interplay between career self-efficacy and parental influence in shaping students' employability competencies, with a focus on understanding the mediating role of career self-efficacy.A systematic literature review was conducted using 65 peer-reviewed studies published between 2021 and 2025.Articles were analyzed to identify theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and meta-analytical insights regarding employability skill development in diploma-level education.Findings demonstrate that career self-efficacy significantly enhances employability skills by strengthening motivation, persistence, and adaptability.Parental influence particularly through emotional support and instrumental guidance was shown to affect students' career attitudes and learning behaviors.Moreover, meta-analytical evidence indicates that career self-efficacy mediates the relationship between parental support and employability outcomes.The review underscores the dual role of psychological resources and family support in fostering career readiness.Practical implications suggest that policymakers, educators, and parents should collaborate to create enabling environments that cultivate employability skills and confidence among diploma students.