International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Volume 8 Issue 4
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Employer Perspectives on Graduate Readiness from Industry-integrated Higher Education Programs: a Qualitative Thematic Analysis

Author(s) Preeti Bhandary, Dr. Vijyata
Country India
Abstract Purpose: This paper will look at how industry practitioners view the performance and readiness of graduates out of industry-integrated higher education programs and in this context, the study will attempt to identify the strengths and some of the chronic gaps as seen by the employer.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative research design was used that utilizes semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of fifteen industry professionals in the fields of technology, consulting, finance, manufacturing and healthcare was selected. Braun and Clarke (2006) six-phase thematic analysis framework were used to analyse data with the assistance of NVivo software.

Findings: There were five main themes: (1) increased practical skill preparation, (2) improved communication and soft skills competency, (3) more flexibility and problem-solving capacity, (4) variability in program implementation, and (5) employer eagerness to be more collaborative with industry. Although employers praise the confidence and the early exposure of graduates, significant deficiencies in critical thinking, depth of domain, and long-term flexibility remain evident.

Practical Implications: The results can be used by curriculum designers, institutions of higher learning, industry partners, and policymakers - especially when considering the priorities of the National Education Policy 2020 in India and the AICTE requirements of internships.

Originality/Value: The paper focuses on a poorly- represented employer side of the WIL literature through primary research with Indian higher education stakeholders and adds to the international graduate employability reform debate.
Keywords Graduate Readiness, Industry-Integrated Education, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), Employability, Higher Education and Industry Collaboration, NEP 2020, Qualitative Research.
Field Business Administration
Published In Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On 2026-08-01
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84976
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CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

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