A Model to Enhance Employability Skills for Undergraduate Students in Private University in Bangkok, Thailand

Employers in Thailand increasingly expect graduates to demonstrate workplace readiness beyond disciplinary knowledge, particularly in private universities in Bangkok. This study developed and validated a model to enhance employability skills among final-year undergraduate students using a multi-phase mixed-methods design. A PRISMA-inspired systematic review identified seven employability domains: career preparedness, cognitive skills, communication skills, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, motivation, and task persistence. A questionnaire was administered to 600 final-year students from six private universities in Bangkok to assess desired and current levels of employability skills. Although all domains received high ratings, meaningful gaps remained between desired and current levels. Priority needs were identified using the modified Priority Needs Index (PNImodified). The highest-priority domains were career preparedness (0.0602), task persistence (0.0583), and motivation (0.0508), followed by emotional intelligence, communication skills, cognitive skills, and digital literacy. The findings suggest that the most pressing employability needs relate to transition-to-work capability and self-regulation rather than technical competence alone. Based on these priorities, a model comprising seven developmental activities was designed and subsequently refined through expert consultation and validation. A panel of 15 experts evaluated the model and confirmed its relevance, feasibility, and contextual suitability for private universities in Bangkok. Designed for integration into existing courses, advising practices, and student-support services, the model provides a practical and context-sensitive framework for employability development. The study contributes an evidence-based approach to strengthening graduate readiness while enabling progress to be monitored through structured, manageable, and coachable developmental activities.