UNDERGRADUATE CAREER EXPLORATION: PRELIMINARY INSIGHT FROM A KLANG VALLEY PRIVATE INSTITUTION

Graduate employment remains a persistent global concern, with governments, institutions, and employers continuously seeking effective measures to enhance employability among university graduates. In Malaysia, this issue has gained significant attention as the rapidly changing job market demands graduates who are not only academically qualified but also equipped with relevant skills, knowledge, and adaptability. One critical step toward addressing this concern is understanding how undergraduate students perceive and engage in career exploration, as their perspectives can offer meaningful insights for the development of practical strategies to strengthen employability. This preliminary study aimed to examine the factors that influence undergraduate career exploration, and the challenges students face in preparing for the workforce. The study involved three final-year undergraduate students from a private higher education institution in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, who shared their experiences and personal reflections. The findings suggest that social media platforms play a pivotal role in students’ job search process, serving as the most accessible and widely used source for information on career opportunities. However, the participants also highlighted concerns regarding the gap between employers’ expectations and their own perceived competencies. This mismatch often creates anxiety and uncertainty as students transition into the labor market. Overall, the study sheds light on several challenges encountered by final-year undergraduates in navigating their career pathways. By identifying these issues, the research emphasizes the importance of equipping students with relevant skills, resources, and guidance to enhance their employability and better prepare them for the demands of the job market.