CAREER GUIDANCE AS A TOOL FOR IMPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT LEVEL OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

Abstract

The goal of the work. The purpose of the article is to substantiate theoretically and analyze the role of career guidance as an effective tool for increasing the employment rate of graduates of higher education institutions, as well as to identify ways to improve career guidance activities in the modern educational environment.

Methodology. The study is based on a complex combination of general scientific and special methods that provide a comprehensive analysis of the problem of career guidance as a factor in increasing the employment rate of graduates of higher education institutions. In the process of research, methods of theoretical generalization and systematization of scientific sources were used to clarify the essence and content of career guidance activities; analysis and synthesis – to identify the main approaches to the organization of career guidance in higher education institutions; comparative method – to compare different scientific positions and practices.

In addition, a structural-functional approach was applied to determine the main components of career guidance activities and their interrelationships, as well as to summarize the practical experience of higher education institutions in organizing career support for students. This allowed us to outline key areas for improving the effectiveness of career guidance and its impact on the level of graduate employment. Elements of empirical analysis were also applied to summarize practical experience in implementing career guidance activities in higher education institutions.

Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty lies in the theoretical generalization and clarification of the role of career guidance as a systemic factor that directly affects the level of employment of graduates of higher education institutions. Another novelty is the clarification of the functional role of career guidance in the modern educational environment, which is considered not only as a tool for professional self-determination, but also as a component of the system of training a competitive specialist to enter the labor market. Directions for increasing the efficiency of career guidance activities are outlined, taking into account the requirements of the modern labor market and the development of digital technologies.

Conclusions. Career guidance is an important systemic tool that is directly related to the employment process of graduates of higher education institutions. Its effective organization contributes to a conscious professional choice, the formation of motivation to study in the chosen specialty, and the increase in the readiness of education seekers to enter the labor market. It has been established that the effectiveness of employment largely depends on the quality of career guidance work in higher education institutions, which includes information provision, career counseling, practical training, and interaction with employers. The comprehensive implementation of these areas allows graduates to form not only professional knowledge and skills, but also a realistic idea of the requirements of the modern labor market. Therefore, career guidance is an important factor in increasing the employment rate of graduates, as it provides a link between the educational process and the needs of employers. Further development of career guidance activities in higher education institutions should be aimed at its integration with career support for students and the active use of modern digital technologies.