A TRACER STUDY ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS
OF ....

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

SEPTEMBER 2012

Introduction
Background of the Study
The concept of employability emerges as a crucial contributor to career success (Fugate et al., 2004). Traditionally, it is recognized as the ability to gain and maintain employment, both within and across organizations (Finn, 2000). It implies the possession of qualities and competencies that are required to enable graduates to enter and maintain employment throughout their lives. In this definition, employability is clearly characteristic of the individual. It is a one –dimensional, outcome-based definition that places the individual’s skills at the center of the concept (McArdle et al., 2007).There are three interrelated components that influence employability which are (a) individual factors that includes attributes, transferable skills, qualification and educational attainment, (b) personal circumstances that relates to the individual’ social and household situation, (c) external factors that cover labor demand conditions and enabling support factors (McQuaid and Lindsay, 2005). With these, employability is thus an outcome of multiple factors.
Employability is having a set of skills, knowledge, understanding and personal attributes that make a person more likely to choose and secure occupations in which they can be satisfied and successful (Dacre Pool & Sewell, 2007). It can be affected by labor market institution, skills, and knowledge enhanced by education and training (Psacharopoulos et al, 2004).
Studies have pointed out the preference of employers for graduates who have “self- theories” that are characterized by confidence, optimism, and the belief in their ability to make a difference. Employers also want graduates who can easily adapt to their workplace and environment, who can use their skills to advance