Sukma, Andi Filsah Muslimat, Ria Riski Marsuki

The Employability of Graduates from the Chinese Language and Culture Program at Hasanuddin University in the Workforce: A Tracer Study Analysis and Its Relevance to 21st-Century Skills

Introduction

The employability of graduates from the chinese language and culture program at hasanuddin university in the workforce: a tracer study analysis and its relevance to 21st-century skills. Tracer study on Hasanuddin University's Chinese Language graduates reveals 72.73% employment, primarily as translators/teachers. Highlights 21st-century skills' role & need for curriculum alignment.

Abstract

This study examines the employability of graduates from the Chinese Language and Culture Program at Hasanuddin University, focusing on their career outcomes and the relevance of 21st-century skills in the workforce. Using a tracer study methodology, data was collected from 44 graduates (64.7% response rate) through surveys and interviews. The findings reveal a 72.73% employment rate, with most graduates securing roles as translators/interpreters or Chinese teachers, primarily in the private sector. Key factors influencing employability include communication skills, industry demand for Mandarin proficiency, and practical training. However, 27.27% of graduates remain unemployed, citing further education or difficulty finding suitable jobs as the primary reasons. The study highlights the need for curriculum enhancements and stronger university-industry partnerships to better align graduates' skills with labor market demands.

Review

This study critically examines the employability of graduates from the Chinese Language and Culture Program at Hasanuddin University, offering valuable insights into their career trajectories and the alignment of their skills with contemporary labor market demands. The chosen focus on 21st-century skills, though briefly touched upon in the abstract, positions the research as highly relevant in today's dynamic global workforce. The study's objective to understand employment outcomes and identify factors influencing employability is commendable, addressing a crucial area for higher education institutions striving to enhance graduate preparedness and societal contribution. Employing a tracer study methodology, the research gathered data from 44 graduates, representing a 64.7% response rate through surveys and interviews. The findings indicate a 72.73% employment rate, with graduates predominantly securing roles as translators/interpreters or Chinese teachers within the private sector. Key drivers of employability identified include strong communication skills, the significant industry demand for Mandarin proficiency, and the impact of practical training. Conversely, a notable 27.27% unemployment rate is reported, attributed primarily to graduates pursuing further education or encountering difficulties in securing suitable employment. These quantitative and qualitative insights provide a foundational understanding of the program's immediate impact on its graduates. While the study provides a solid overview of graduate employability, the abstract hints at areas for deeper exploration in the full paper. The mention of "21st-century skills" warrants a more detailed discussion of which specific skills (beyond communication) were assessed and how they directly correlated with employment success or challenges. Furthermore, the abstract's recommendation for "curriculum enhancements and stronger university-industry partnerships" is well-founded, but the full study would benefit from elaborating on specific, actionable strategies for these improvements. Nevertheless, this research serves as an important contribution to the literature on graduate employability, offering practical implications for program development and career services within the context of specific language and culture programs.

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