Nurturing young graduates with career opportunities: polishing employability skills and work-integrated learning effectiveness

Purpose The present study aims to examine the various factors that enhance perceived employability (PE) and work-integrated learning effectiveness (WILE) among students of public sector universities in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative assessment, and students from different fields, namely management, commerce, economics and business, were selected as the study respondents. We obtained their responses by applying a questionnaire and gathered 304 samples, which we utilized for the final analysis. Findings Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, the study’s findings demonstrate a non-significant effect of entrepreneurship (EP) on WILE but a positive effect on PE. Profssional development (PD) has a positive impact on WILE and PE. Moreover, career self-management (CSM) and proactive personality (PP) have a positive effect on PE. On the other hand, PE is not statistically significantly linked with academic engagement (AE). Finally, AE negatively affects WILE. Practical implications The findings of this study assist and guide university management and policymakers in promoting effective learning, AE and excellence by supporting the development of students' learning, career and professional growth. This would bring substantial employability among the youth. The study’s findings will assist university management in nurturing students with the skills, knowledge, competencies and CSM necessary to enhance their employability and opportunities. Originality/value Several constructs, namely EP, PD, AE, CSM, PP, PE and WILE, are investigated under a single umbrella with an integrated framework, making the study unique and novel.