THE IMPACT OF UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION ON GRADUATES’ READINESS TO MEET JOBS REQUIREMENTS

Abstract

This study presents how university-industry collaboration significantly impacts students' job readiness through two key factors: teaching-learning collaboration (β = 0.526) and sponsorship/research cooperation (β = 0.308). In contrast, advisory cooperation does not show statistically significant effects. The findings also indicate that students lack essential skills and work attitudes, such as adaptability, emotional control, and awareness of professional ethics. Based on these findings, the study proposes five key recommendations for industry-university collaboration: developing training programs aligned with real business needs, promoting early internships, organizing competitions to solve practical business challenges, enhancing students' skills and attitudes, and professionalizing cooperation management, strengthening alumni networks. The results offer policy implications for businesses and universities to adopt new approaches in improving graduate quality to meet societal demands.