Examining the Career Readiness of College Graduates from the Perspective of Systems Thinking Skills

This study investigates the career readiness of business graduates through the perspective of systems thinking, a holistic approach that emphasizes understanding how parts of a system interrelate rather than viewing them in isolation. While previous research has explored graduate preparedness, few studies have explicitly focused on systems thinking skills. Using a quantitative survey (n = 526) that included students, recent graduates, employers, and academic administrators, the study found strong recognition of systems thinking as essential for navigating complex business environments. For example, 80% of respondents considered how proposed changes impact the overall system, 84% valued understanding event chains, and 81% emphasized cause-and-effect thinking. Project-based learning was identified as the most effective method for developing these skills, while traditional lecture-based formats were seen as less effective. These findings highlight the need for business curricula to integrate more experiential learning approaches to better equip graduates with the strategic thinking and adaptability needed for workplace success.