Abstract
This study examines the multidimensional factors shaping self-perceived employability (SPE) among undergraduate students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering evidence-based insights for institutional leaders and policymakers aiming to align higher education outcomes with labor market demands. Using a cross-sectional survey of 646 students across nine colleges at a large public university, the study employs a validated UAE-specific SPE scale to analyze the influence of socio-demographic, academic, and experiential variables. Key findings reveal that maternal education, part-time employment, career counselling, and extracurricular participation significantly shape employability perceptions, while students in Arabic-taught programs report lower SPE, highlighting language and curriculum design as structural factors. The results underscore the importance of bilingual program development, targeted career services, and inclusive engagement strategies. These findings offer concrete policy recommendations for higher education leaders seeking to improve graduate outcomes, institutional accountability, and equity in employability development.
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