Operational Employability Model: A Case Study of Graduate Employability in Croatia

Background The employability of graduates has become a central topic in higher education policy and research. However, the construct still needs to be clarified. Objectives The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability of an operational employability model in analysing the transition from study to work on a sample of graduates in Croatia as part of a larger Eurograduate pilot survey. The model has been rooted in the theories of human capital, cultural and social capital and constructivist educational theory. Methods/Approach Factor analysis was applied to reduce the number of measured variables into factor scores that were used as predictors in multiple regression analysis. Cox regression, logistic regression and linear regression were applied to test the employability model. Results The results showed that cultural capital, human capital, and bridging social capital, as well as high-impact practises during studies, such as volunteering and internships, have a positive impact on the likelihood of finding employment in less time after graduation in an occupation that vertically matches the qualification, and in a job with a higher monthly income. Conclusions The results have shown that cultural capital, human capital, and bridging social capital influence the probability of finding employment in a job that matches the level of qualification in a shorter time after graduation and in a job with a higher monthly income. These findings have practical implications for educators, policymakers, and employers, providing insights into the factors that can enhance graduate employability.