Mapping the links between digital literacy, social connectedness, career management skills, and employability through cellulographic insights

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the interplay of digital literacy, social connectedness, career management skills and perceived employability of students as different elements of the career ecosystem. Additionally, this study sought to examine the impact of smartphone use behavior (cellulographics) on digital literacy. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a cross-sectional research design and variance-based partial least squares method (PLS-SEM) to assess the structural relationships among variables. Findings The study found that digital literacy is a significant predictor of career management skills, social connectedness, and perceived employability. Social connectedness does not directly predict perceived employability but turns out to be a positive predictor after the introduction of career management skills as a mediator. Career management skills are positive predictors of perceived employability. Control variables such as smartphone experience, smartphone internet experience, smartphone use in college, and smartphone use skills have a positive influence on digital literacy. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in integrating technological advancement and utilization alongside career management skills and social connectedness to construct perceived employability, addressing current era needs. It seeks to provide empirical evidence contributing to a sustainable career ecosystem. Further, employing the novel concept of cellulographics adds value to existing literature.