The Employability of Graduates from the Chinese Language and Culture Program at Hasanuddin University in the Workforce: A Tracer Study Analysis and Its Relevance to 21st-Century Skills

Abstract

This study examines the employability of graduates from the Chinese Language and Culture Program at Hasanuddin University, focusing on their career outcomes and the relevance of 21st-century skills in the workforce. Using a tracer study methodology, data was collected from 44 graduates (64.7% response rate) through surveys and interviews. The findings reveal a 72.73% employment rate, with most graduates securing roles as translators/interpreters or Chinese teachers, primarily in the private sector. Key factors influencing employability include communication skills, industry demand for Mandarin proficiency, and practical training. However, 27.27% of graduates remain unemployed, citing further education or difficulty finding suitable jobs as the primary reasons. The study highlights the need for curriculum enhancements and stronger university-industry partnerships to better align graduates' skills with labor market demands.