THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY MASTERY AND SOCIAL NETWORKS ON CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of technological mastery and social networks on the career opportunities of Pamulang University students. This study uses a quantitative approach with an associative descriptive method. The research sample consisted of 105 students selected using purposive sampling, and data were collected through an online questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression with the assistance of SPSS version 25. The results showed that technological mastery and social networks had a positive and significant effect on students' career opportunities, both partially and simultaneously. The coefficient of determination (Adjusted R² = 0.892) shows that 89.2% of the variation in student career opportunities can be explained by these two independent variables. These findings reinforce the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989) and Social Capital Theory (Bourdieu, 1986), which explain that students with high digital competence and extensive social networks have greater career prospects in the digital age. Academically, this study contributes to the development of literature on digital competence and work readiness, while practically providing input for universities to improve career preparation programs through digital literacy training and professional network development.