How Human Resource Management Courses Influence Students' Employment Competitiveness

Abstract

The ability to incorporate industry-relevant curricula into higher education has gained increased importance, particularly in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM), where employers seek candidates who have not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical competencies. Pedagogies centered on lectures are far from ideal in developing students to be knowledgeable and responsive to complex workplaces, where strategic workforce planning, conflict management, and data-driven decision-making are necessary skills. This paper examines the factors that determine the role of HRM courses in upgrading student employability, focusing on three aspects: content alignment with industry, development of employability skills, and effectiveness in applying innovative teaching methods. The present study, through a quantitative survey involving HRM students and alumni, brings out the perceived value of tools in practical learning such as case studies, internships, and technology-aided platforms. A total of 200 valid questionnaires were collected for this study. The prerequisite for completing the questionnaire was that the students had completed at least one human resource management-related course. The design of this questionnaire was based on a summary of relevant HRM and related literature, including employability and human resource management teaching method frameworks. The questionnaire were designed to assess students' perceptions of course practicality, skill development, and teaching methods. The findings suggest that HRM education successfully fosters foundational competencies; however, it is challenged to eliminate the schism between academic theories and application of such theories in practice. The criticism here is mostly directed to the imbalance of theoretical input and access inequality to learning opportunities, which reiterates the demand for reforms in curricula. The study closes with an assertion that, where higher impact of HRM can be achieved on career readiness, there is a need for a hybrid approach based on interaction teaching methodologies and soft skill training, together with industry partnership.