Enhancing Objective and Subjective Career Outcomes for Graduates in Italy

Abstract

Enhancing the employment of university students and the development of sustainable careers is at the core of national and supra-national political agendas. This chapter explores how perceived employability relates to subsequent career success among graduate students. Moreover, it investigates the personal and context-related factors influencing student perceptions of employability. Data were collected through a two-wave survey administered between 2021 and 2022 to final-year students at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Results of ordinary least squares regression show that perceived employability is a valid predictor of graduates' objective and subjective career outcomes. This study also highlights the key role of digital and personal skills development as potential drivers of employability perception among university students. The results of this study contribute to the literature on graduate employability and career success and have implications for the governance and management of higher education institutions.