THE COMPETENCY QUEST: EXPLORING SKILL EXPECTATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT GRADUATES IN BANGALORE

This study explores the competency skill expectations from management graduates in Bangalore, with a focus on both technical and soft skills. As the demand for job-ready graduates rises, a significant gap exists between the competencies taught in academic institutions and those required by employers. The research aims to evaluate the impact of technical skills and examine the influence of soft skills on the job readiness of graduates. A descriptive research design was used, with purposive sampling selecting 145 management graduates as respondents. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires and analyzed using tools like ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple regression. The results indicate that soft skills, particularly teamwork and time management, play a more crucial role in job readiness compared to technical skills. Additionally, educational qualifications and work experience were found to have a notable effect on the development of soft skills and job readiness. While technical competencies are important, they have a lesser impact on job preparedness. The study recommends that educational institutions integrate soft skill development alongside technical training through practical experiences such as internships. Enhanced collaboration between academia and industry is also suggested to better align graduate skills with employer needs. Overall, the study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach in preparing management graduates, ensuring a balance between technical knowledge and essential soft skills for greater job readiness and career success.