Exploring the factor structure of the CareerEDGE employability development profile

Abstract

Purpose

There has been little empirical research conducted in relation to graduate employability and diagnostic tools available in this area are very limited. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and explore the factor structure of a new measure of employability development, the CareerEDGE Employability Development Profile (EDP).

Design/methodology/approach

The EDP was completed by 807 undergraduate students, providing data for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Findings

The analyses suggest that the EDP is multidimensional and maps clearly onto the CareerEDGE model of graduate employability.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are discussed and interpreted as offering support for the use of the EDP with students as a developmental tool and as a measurement tool for use in the design, implementation and evaluation of employability interventions or other research purposes.

Originality/value

The provision of a practical employability development tool that is suitable for use with students of any Higher Education institution. The findings also add to the limited literature on graduate employability.

Citation

Dacre Pool, L., Qualter, P. and J. Sewell, P. (2014), "Exploring the factor structure of the CareerEDGE employability development profile", Education + Training, Vol. 56 No. 4, pp. 303-313. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-01-2013-0009