The Value of an Undergraduate HRD Degree: An Exploratory Investigation of Perceived Employability and Career Success

Abstract

The Problem

Undergraduate human resource development (HRD) programs are becoming increasingly popular. However, there is little research available regarding the outcomes of the alumni of these programs and the value that they attribute to their undergraduate HRD degree.

The Solution

In this exploratory study, a survey was used to assess the value of an undergraduate HRD education among graduates of an undergraduate HRD program. Perceived employability and subjective career success were used as measures to assess the value of an undergraduate HRD degree from the perspective of alumni from an undergraduate HRD program. Academic achievement was also considered for the possibility of impacting the perceived value of the degree. Descriptive statistics are used to report the findings related to perceived employability and subjective career success.

The Stakeholders

The results of this study are useful to undergraduate HRD program administrators and alumni who are interested in the career outcomes of undergraduate HRD students in the first few years following their graduation. These administrators and alumni can use the results to market and describe the value of an undergraduate degree in HRD. An additional stakeholder group includes potential students who may seek clarification on the experiences of graduates of the undergraduate HRD programs that the potential students may be considering.