Student Confidence in Skill Development and Its Impact on Perceptions of Post-Graduation Readiness

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Cultural Communication Strategies in College Contexts (Table 13)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of student confidence in skills development on their perceptions of post-graduation readiness, guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). We analyzed responses from 20,625 seniors across 91 U.S. institutions from the 2023 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Focusing on students' confidence in ten skills and their readiness for post-graduation, we conducted factor analysis that grouped these skills into two categories: General Academic and Applied Workforce. Subsequent regression analysis, controlling for demographic and institutional factors, revealed that both skill groups significantly predict career readiness. Our findings highlight the importance of enhancing skills confidence to prepare students effectively for post-graduation challenges. Future research should explore the impact of skills confidence on students’ post-graduation outcome choices.

Authors

• Xiaoxia Zhang, Indiana University

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University