Predicting career adaptability of fresh graduates' through personal factors

Purpose This study sought to determine the contribution of personal factors towards career adaptability among fresh graduates who had been employed for less than two years. This cohort is considered as entry-level employees in organisations. Several dimensions of personal factors focused on the study were self-esteem, conscientiousness, spiritual intelligence and social support. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey. The study sample comprised fresh graduate employees (n=423) from four Malaysian public universities. Findings The regression model fitted the data; the personal factors significantly predicted fresh graduates' career adaptability, F(4, 418) = 31.982, p < 0.001. Conscientiousness showed highest contribution compared to other variables, with social support being the lowest. Research limitations/implications Owing to challenges faced by fresh graduates as entry-level employees, continuous career adaptation in the working environment is crucial to achieving satisfaction and success in life. All stakeholders, especially in higher education institutions, play an important role in inculcating the requisite personal traits in undergraduates to enhance their career adaptability upon joining the job market. Originality/value This study was conducted with fresh graduates as entry-level employees in Malaysia. It is hoped that the findings of the study would provide a better understanding of the impact of personal factors on career adaptability of fresh graduates in Malaysia, so that the stakeholders involved could act accordingly to help fresh graduates enter the job market with the confidence to adapt to changes at the workplace.