Driving graduate employability: the pathway from quality education through student engagement and learning outcomes

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of quality education (QE) on student-perceived employability (SPE), exploring the mediating roles of student engagement (SE) and learning outcomes (LOs) within a serial mediation framework. It aims to provide an integrated understanding of how educational quality and student involvement contribute to graduate readiness for the labor market. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multistage sampling method to ensure institutional and regional diversity. Data were collected from 395 final-year students in public and private universities. Validated scales measured QE, SE, LOs and SPE. SmartPLS-4 was used to test hypothesized direct, indirect and serial mediation relationships. Findings The results indicate that QE significantly enhances SPE, both directly and indirectly through SE and LOs. A strong serial mediation effect was established, showing that SE fosters improved LOs, which in turn enhance employability. Research limitations/implications The study’s cross-sectional design limits causal inference and relies on students’ perceptions. Future research should include diverse perspectives (e.g. employers and educators) and explore additional mediators to deepen the understanding of graduate employability. Practical implications This study has practical implications for various stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, institutions, employers, and students. Student-centered pedagogy, emerging technologies, industry partnerships and skills-focused teaching can enhance SE and LOs, aligning HE more effectively with the evolving demands of the labor market. Originality/value This study integrates human capital theory and student involvement theory into a serial mediation model and offers new insights into the mechanisms linking QE to employability, advancing theoretical understanding of how these factors interact.