Graduate employability has become an integral part of higher education curricula (Healy 2023). However, universities continue to face significant challenges in supporting student employability and career success due to rapidly evolving technologies, shifting job markets, and the diverse skill sets required by employers. Consequently, gaps between university training and employer needs persist, leaving many graduates underprepared as their career launches. To address this gap, there is a growing emphasis on university-industry partnerships in graduate employability and career development (Healy 2023; Monteiro et al., 2021), with universities building their culture and internal support structures to promote students’ journeys.
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at The Australian National University (ANU) exemplifies how to address the challenges of preparing graduates for a dynamic job market by adopting a scaffolding approach to student employability and career success in close partnership with employers (as illustrated in Figure 1). Informed by Vygotsky’s theory of scaffolding (1978), this approach provides structured support, with increasing complexity and authenticity, that gradually enhances students' employability skills and confidence, enabling them to successfully navigate their career development journeys. Its success has contributed to the University’s ranking as 1st in Australia and 30th in the world for graduate employability in the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2025.
Figure 1
An exemplary scaffolding approach
Extensive research on employability and career development in higher education highlights the need to shift from a singular model to a holistic strategy that integrates diverse employability initiatives for various developmental purposes (Healy, 2023; Scandurra et al., 2024). Grounded in this principle, the College’s scaffolding approach includes a comprehensive array of multiple award-winning co- and extra-curricular services and initiatives that offer structured, incremental support. It gradually introduces industry exposure, professional development, real-world challenges, and self-directed career planning opportunities to enhance students’ skills, confidence and career independence.
Explore. This phase aims to expose students to industry, helping them understand various potential career options, thereby aligning their university experiences with their career aspirations. The College achieves this by embedding practical insights into the program and curriculum, and offering supporting career services, such as one-on-one career consultations, industry and alumni engagement events, and a career roadmap. Collectively, these resources offer students a comprehensive understanding of the various career pathways and employability initiatives available to them, along with the timeline for their participation.
Build. This phase helps students deepen their industry knowledge, cultivate their professional skills, and build their confidence, preparing them for upcoming work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities. During this phase, CBE students can enrol in the Employability Fundamentals for Professional Practices course to gain in-depth knowledge of fundamental employability capabilities for successfully pursuing career opportunities, participate in the Triple E award-winning strength-based Momentum initiative to develop their professional skills through industry-led workshops and meaningful mentorships, and engage in micro-WIL initiatives, such as the virtual Study Australia Industry Experience program, and ANU+ Volunteering, to develop practical skills.
Apply. In this phase, students have the opportunities to apply their discipline-based knowledge to address transdisciplinary real-world challenges through a wide range of project-based or placement-based WIL opportunities that the College provides. Some examples of these include Internships, Special Industry Project, Student Management Fund and ANU Tax Clinic. CBE students may also participate in Global Business Immersion and ANU International Business Plan Competition to gain global perspectives. These structured and more intensive WIL opportunities enhance students’ employability and adaptability while offering deeper insights into industry practices. They are essential for preparing students to make informed career decisions and transition successfully into the workforce.
Grow. This phase helps students make informed career decisions while providing individualised support tailored to their career pursuits. In this regard, CBE students can receive personalised career guidance through one-on-on consultations. They can also participate in targeted workshops focused on job-seeking strategies, resume preparation, and interview skills; join the CBE Careers Talent Community for early access to employment opportunities; and engage in networking events and career fairs. Collectively, these initiatives equip CBE students with the confidence and necessary tools to secure fulfilling employment upon graduation. The College’s career support extends beyond graduation. Early-career alumni can continue accessing these resources as they navigate their professional journeys.
Integrated university-industry partnership is the key to success
University-industry partnerships are at the core of all CBE career and employability initiatives. They play a vital role in ensuring the relevance and quality of students’ learning experiences. The College’s industry partners from public, private and not-for-profit sectors have been engaged through various mechanisms, such as co-designing programs and curricula, providing guest lectures and capstone projects, mentoring students, co-delivering professional workshops, hosting student interns, and participating in career fairs and networking events. Through these collaborative efforts, the College effectively bridges the gap between education and graduate employability, while industry partners benefit from a more job-ready workforce.
Conclusion
The Australian National University epitomises the engaged university. The College of Business and Economics’ scaffolding approach to student employability and career success, in close partnership with industry employers, is proven effective in preparing graduates for the complexities of the modern workforce. It not only helps them secure employment upon graduation, but also empowers them to embrace exploratory, proactive, and adaptive career behaviours while building resilience to thrive in their long-term careers. As job markets evolve and new skills emerge due to technological advancement, the College will continue to adapt through dynamic industry partnerships to ensure that our educational programs and employability initiatives remain relevant and aligned with employer expectations.
Arranz, N., Arroyabe, M. F., Sena, V., Arranz, C. F., & Fernandez de Arroyabe, J. C. (2022). University-enterprise cooperation for the employability of higher education graduates: a social capital approach. Studies in Higher Education, 47(5), 990-999.
Monteiro, S., Almeida, L., & Garcia-Aracil, A. (2021). “It's a very different world”: work transition and employability of higher education graduates. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 11(1), 164-181.
Scandurra, R., Kelly, D., Fusaro, S., Cefalo, R., & Hermannsson, K. (2024). Do employability programmes in higher education improve skills and labour market outcomes? A systematic review of academic literature. Studies in Higher Education, 1-16.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (Vol. 86). Harvard university press.
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