Considering the Significance of Digital Competences on Social Sciences Graduates’ Employability: Views From Young Professionals on Board

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to identify and discuss the significant of digital competency needed for employability, on young professional in Malaysia. What is expected by the employer when they enter the labor market? Design/methodology/approach – The study used qualitative design. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from young graduates who able to secure job right or within 6 months after graduate. Data collected were analysed using thematic categorization. Results were presented using descriptive and narrative form. An inductive approach used to understand and analyse the ability of being employed. Round-table talk are the primary sources for this paper. Findings –. The study identifies key digital competencies that contribute to the employability of young professionals in Malaysia. These include digital academic knowledge, digital communication, digital problem-solving, and digital work experience. Among these, digital work experience appears to be of higher priority, playing a critical role in the successful employment of Social Sciences graduates in Malaysia. Practical implications – The findings of this study provide valuable insights for higher education institutions in developing professional development plans aimed at equipping students with the necessary digital skills. The study underscores the importance of adopting the right competencies within university curricula to align with industry demands. Furthermore, it highlights the need for the redesign of relevant courses to enhance graduates' performance and maintain their competitiveness in the labor market. Originality/value – This paper is to identify the comprehensive of digital competency expectations of young professionals of Social Sciences in Malaysia. At the same time, it identifies differences in the competency expectations by the employer and competency possessed by the young professionals. Research limitations/implications – The empirical part of the study was limited to the Social Sciences young professionals in Malaysia. A similar study covering all sectors of the national economy will offer a complete on the skills needs for various field and its preparedness to contribute in the emerging digital economy. Novelty:- This study provides original insights into how young professionals perceive and apply digital competencies within their early career experiences. It contributes to the ongoing discussion on digital employability by presenting qualitative evidence from Malaysian Social Sciences graduate.