Transitioning from University to Working Life: A Comparison of Business Graduates’ Perceptions of Skills before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted business schools and students. The unusual circumstances created by the pandemic situation have provided a unique occasion to look at challenges and opportunities facing business graduate students when transitioning from university to working life. Using a survey from business students who graduated before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores the role of skills (IT and non-IT skills) in the transition from university to working life as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business students’ skills and career decisions. It was found that non-IT skills were perceived as more essential than IT skills, and having IT skills such as data analytics and business applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) were more essential skills for students who graduated during the pandemic. Finally, business students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are considering acquiring new digital/technological skills.