Exploring the Employability Skills Gap of MA Students in Language and Communication Specialty in HRD and E- Learning Courses at Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University

Abstract

In response to the demands of modern society and the competitive job market, which requires a unique set of skills beyond language proficiency, employers must recruit graduates possessing good communication and digital literacy skills and be aware of the collaborative teamwork and problem-solving skills to adapt to meet international standards. These graduates must be equipped with the necessary skills due to appropriate programs that respond to employer expectations. Accordingly, universities should guarantee suitable Master's programs that align with the ever-changing demands of the workplace. This study examines the employability skills gap faced by English as a foreign language (EFL) students enrolled in the language and communication Master at Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University, Algeria. To achieve this, the present study opted for a mixed-methods approach using two research tools: a student questionnaire and a teacher interview to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the job skills gap among Master (MA) students, spotting light on their communication skills, collaborative teamwork, digital literacy skills, and others. Our participants were First-Year MA students in language and communication during Human Resources Development (HRD) and online learning classes. The results revealed some disconnection between the current MA program and evolving industry needs at the level of practice. Both students and the instructor need to fulfill the program with the practical part to equip graduates with more useful, job-relevant skills in communication, digital literacy, collaborative teamwork, problem-solving, and learners' adaptability to the professional world. Based on what was obtained as results, this study recommends deepening the partnerships with the economic sector and the university, taking into consideration this Master as a professional to contribute to the quality of the current MA program and its integration into the job market to guarantee the real-world exposure and career guidance for MA students. By addressing these gaps, the program can better prepare graduates for long-term career success. Keywords: Employability skills, EFL Students, HRD, online learning .