Exploration of career coaching programmes for employability skills acquisition

This study explores career coaching programmes in Nigerian universities and their effectiveness in developing employability skills. Through qualitative analysis of interviews with 10 career counsellors, the research identifies available programmes, including guidance and counselling, workshops, mentorship, and institutional support services. The study reveals that these programmes contribute to skill development, particularly in soft skills, technical abilities, and practical experience. However, challenges such as limited awareness and resource constraints hinder their full potential. Career counsellors perceive positive outcomes in areas like self-awareness, communication skills, adaptability, and job search strategies. The research suggests improvements including personalized coaching approaches, integrated skill development modules, continuous feedback mechanisms, enhanced support systems, and leveraging technology. It also highlights the need for industry collaboration and a holistic development focus. While the study demonstrates the positive impact of career coaching on employability skills acquisition, it notes mixed results regarding long-term effectiveness. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing identified challenges and implementing suggested improvements to better equip students for the evolving job market.