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Key Aspects of Property Graduates’ Employability in the Digital Age: Perceptions of Employers and Graduates

Author/s: Rotimi Boluwatife Abidoye, Albert Agbeko Ahiadu, Ayodele Samuel Adegoke

Date Published: 30/06/2024

Published in: Volume 29 - 2024 Issue 1 (pages 9 - 33)

Abstract

Purpose – In response to the evolving dynamics of the professional landscape and the ongoing global discourse on sustaining graduate employability, this study explored the underlying themes in the key aspects of property graduate employability to highlight growing expectation gaps in the digital age, considering the perspectives of employers and graduates. Design/methodology/approach – The perspectives of 72 property employers and graduates were gathered through an online questionnaire survey and subsequently analysed through Exploratory Factor Analysis to establish underlying paOerns that highlight focus areas and expectation gaps. Findings – Six clusters underpinning graduate employability were identified: soft skills, technological skills, problem-solving and digital literacy, core property specialisations, ethical responsibility, and financial analysis and evaluation. Overall, these factor clusters underscore the importance of innovation to both employers and graduates. Technological skills have become increasingly critical in the digital age, while overlooked soft skills such as communication, due diligence and ethical responsibility are imperative for well-rounded professionals. Practical implications – These findings emphasise the need for a holistic approach to property education that incorporates the diverse perspectives of stakeholders such as academics, graduates, professional institutions, and employers. A continuous feedback loop is required to integrate these evolving priorities in the digital age. Originality/value – Despite widening expectation gaps in property education, most previous studies only aOempt to identify which skills are in demand, offering fragmented viewpoints specific to different professions and stakeholders. Instead, this study established underlying themes in these skill sets by considering the perspectives of two key stakeholders, employers and graduates, across various disciplines in the property sector.

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Keywords

Australia - Employability - Exploratory Factor Analysis - Property Education - Property Employers - Property Graduates

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