BECOMING AN EXCELLENT GRADUATE: THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION IN IMPROVING STUDENT EMPLOYABILITY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of technology mastery and communication skills on student work readiness at Pamulang University. In the era of digital transformation, universities are required to produce graduates who are not only academically capable but also competent in technology and communication. This research employs a quantitative approach with a descriptive associative design. The population consisted of final-semester students, with a purposive sample of 100 respondents who had participated in internships or job training programs. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale and analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS version 26. The results showed that both technology mastery and communication skills have a positive and significant effect on work readiness, both partially and simultaneously. The t-test revealed that technology mastery contributes positively to work readiness (t = 10.159; sig. = 0.000), while communication skills have an even greater influence (t = 13.322; sig. = 0.000). The F-test also indicated a simultaneous effect (F = 105.393; sig. = 0.000). The coefficient of determination (R²) value of 0.683 means that 68.3% of the variation in work readiness can be explained by these two variables, while the remaining 31.7% is influenced by other factors. The findings suggest that mastering technology enhances students’ adaptability to digital-based work environments, while effective communication skills strengthen collaboration and professionalism. Universities should therefore integrate digital literacy and soft skills development into their curriculum to produce graduates who are not only technologically proficient but also communicatively competent and ready to face the demands of the modern workforce