Events that matter: how extracurricular activities influence employability through event strength and skill development from an event system theory perspective

Purpose Evolving labor market demands underscores the importance of employability, particularly as university students integrate into the workforce. Most existing literature emphasizes stable individual characteristics using a feature-oriented approach, providing limited insight into how employability develops through dynamic experiential processes. Drawing on event system theory, this study investigates how the strength of extracurricular activity events influences employability through problem-solving and teamwork skills. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative, time-lagged survey design, data were collected from 329 undergraduate students from multiple universities in China. The moderating role of self-efficacy is also examined. Findings The findings demonstrate that stronger extracurricular activity events enhance employability both directly and indirectly through skill development, with self-efficacy strengthening these relationships. Research limitations/implications This study advances employability research by introducing a process-oriented, event-based perspective that extends beyond dominant feature-oriented approaches. It shows problem-solving and teamwork skills as crucial mediators linking extracurricular activities to employability. Third, the study stresses the role of self-efficacy as a moderator, demonstrating how individualized self-beliefs amplify the influences of extracurricular activities on skill acquisition and perceptions of employability. Practical implications The positive relationship between extracurricular activities and employability suggests that students should be encouraged to participate in such activities. Educational institutions should actively promote a diverse range of extracurricular options. The moderating influence of self-efficacy implies that educational programs should be concerned with developing students' confidence. Social implications Inclusive extracurricular opportunities reduce labor market skill mismatches and enhance graduate employability. Building student self-efficacy promotes equitable career outcomes across socioeconomic backgrounds. Event-driven skill development in higher education helps lower youth unemployment and boosts economic productivity. Originality/value By integrating theory, method and findings, this study contributes to employability literature by advancing a process-oriented understanding of how extracurricular activities shape students' career readiness and confidence.