Qué factores valoran hoy en día los jóvenes recién graduados al momento de buscar empleo

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. objective of this research is to analyze the employment criteria prioritized by recent graduates from ESPOL through an exploratory study, aimed at designing strategic proposals to strengthen labor market insertion with actions led by the Office of Outreach and Engagement. Current strategies have not achieved the expected impact due to limited knowledge of the real needs and expectations of graduates. There is a pressing need to design proposals aligned with new generations in order to increase employability rates and contribute to institutional positioning. A mixed methodology combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed, supported by the Design Thinking process. Exploratory and in-depth interviews, a focus group, and a survey of 2024 ESPOL graduates across the university’s 34 programs were conducted. Analytical tools such as SWOT, impact-difficulty matrix, and validations with both internal and external stakeholders were also applied. The results indicated that salary, professional growth opportunities, and location are decisive factors for graduates when evaluating and rejecting job offers. Moreover, the low participation of students in employability-oriented activities was found to stem from a communication gap between the Office of Outreach, faculties, and students themselves. It is concluded that the strategic line to be applied must focus on strengthening communication, while also considering the current conditions of the Ecuadorian labor market. The labor insertion of graduates depends not only on external market factors but also on a more adaptive and communicative university management. Strengthening coordination with academic programs, improving the dissemination of services, and implementing differentiated strategies tailored to the specificities of each faculty are essential to foster more effective employability. Keywords: employability, labor market insertion, young graduates, university strategies, communication.