From Higher Education to the Career Paths: Students’ Perspectives of Education and Employability

Graduate employability is a pressing concern in higher education, particularly in lower-and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. Many graduates struggle to find employment due to skill mismatches, limited workintegrated learning, and unequal access to networks. Research on students' views regarding employability in this context is scarce, highlighting a critical gap in understanding. This qualitative research examines Bangladeshi students' and recent graduates' perceptions of employability and early career navigation through 21 structured interviews across various academic fields. By integrating Career Ecosystem Theory, Perceived Employability, and Social Capital Theory, the study finds that employability is influenced by academic learning, experiential exposure, psychological resources, and social networks. Participants emphasized adaptability, communication skills, and self-improvement, while recognizing challenges like the experience paradox and institutional hierarchies. The findings inform higher education institutions, employers, and policymakers seeking to promote inclusive and sustainable graduate employability in developing-country contexts.