The influence of self-efficacy, soft skills, personality, and emotional intelligence on graduate employability in Malaysian Technical University Network Institutions

This conceptual study examines the influence of self-efficacy, soft skills, and personality traits on graduate employability among final-year students in Malaysian Technical University Network institutions, with emotional intelligence as a moderating factor. Employability is conceptualized as the capacity to secure, maintain, and adapt to employment in dynamic workplace environments. The research adopts a quantitative approach, leveraging Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore direct and moderating effects within a proposed framework. Data from a sample of 370 undergraduate students across four Malaysian Technical University Network institutions were analyzed, incorporating descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. The framework positions emotional intelligence—defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions—as a critical moderator that enhances the impact of core attributes on perceived employability. Findings are anticipated to highlight the key competencies that drive employability, offering actionable insights for curriculum development and targeted educational interventions. This study aims to inform policies and practices in higher education, ensuring graduates are better equipped to meet labor market demands and succeed in their professional careers.