A Study on Career Self-Efficacy and Industry Readiness Among Generation Z Graduates: A Quantitative Study

The transition from higher education to employment has become increasingly complex for Generation Z
graduates due to technological disruption, skills-based hiring practices, and changing employer
expectations. Career self-efficacy, defined as an individual's confidence in performing career-related
tasks, is considered a key determinant of employability and workplace readiness. This study investigates
the relationship between career self-efficacy and industry readiness among Generation Z graduates.
A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were collected from 320 graduates aged
21–27 years using standardized scales measuring career self-efficacy and industry readiness. Reliability,
descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS.
Results revealed a significant positive relationship between career self-efficacy and industry readiness (r
= .681, p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that career self-efficacy significantly predicts industry
readiness (β = .596, p < .001), accounting for 46.4% of the variance. The findings suggest that graduates
with stronger confidence in their career-related abilities exhibit higher levels of workplace preparedness.