NOT JUST GPA, SELF-CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNICATION ARE THE KEYS TO JOB SUCCESS!

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of self-confidence and communication skills on students' work readiness as important factors in addition to academic achievement. Until now, student success has often been measured only by their grade point average (GPA), even though non-academic skills also play a major role in determining an individual's readiness to enter the workforce. This study uses a quantitative method with an associative approach to analyze the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The population in this study consists of final-year students from several study programs, with a purposive sampling technique used to collect data. Data were collected through a closed questionnaire using a Likert scale that had been tested for validity and reliability. The analysis technique used was multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS software to see the partial and simultaneous effects between variables. The results showed that self-confidence had a positive and significant effect on students' work readiness, while communication skills also had a significant effect on work readiness. Simultaneously, both variables have a strong effect on students' work readiness. The conclusion of this study is that work readiness is not only determined by academic achievement, but also by psychological factors and interpersonal skills. Therefore, educational institutions are advised to develop programs that balance hard skills and soft skills so that students are better prepared to compete in the world of work.