The effectiveness of finishing school programmes from the perspectives of graduates and employers

Purpose – This study examined the effectiveness of Finishing School programmes in enhancing the employability of graduates from institutions of higher learning. The perceptions of the graduates and employers towards the effectiveness of the programmes were analyzed. The effectiveness of Finishing School programmes evaluated through a graduate marketability outcome study and the expectations of employers with regard to the type of soft skills of graduates most needed by industries were also examined. Methodology – Data for this study were obtained through a survey questionnaire administered to graduates and focus group interviews with selected employers. The primary data involved a large sample (n = 1092) of graduates from public universities and also 31 selected employers from various industries. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and a multinomial logit model. Due to the unavailability of a population frame, the data were collected using a convenient sampling design. Findings – Graduates had a positive perception of the effectiveness of Finishing School programmes. However, in terms of the marketability outcome, Finishing school programmes currently being offered were seen as ineffective. Interviews with officers at the management level from various companies showed that the local graduates were lacking in certain types of soft skills, particularly in English communication skills, compared with their counterparts who graduated from higher education institutions overseas. Employers listed three skills as critical for graduates to have, namely, problem solving skills, information management (exposure to general knowledge, current issues and ICT) and English communication. Significance – Most of the soft skills which employers have identified as important in enhancing graduates’ employability have long been emphasized by the local higher learning institutions through their Finishing School programmes. Hence, it was concluded that the existing Finishing School programmes are indeed moving in the right direction in achieving its desired objectives. However, there is still room for improvement. This is especially so in relation to its implementation as the empirical evidence seems to suggest that current Finishing School programmes are not effective in terms of graduate marketability outcome.