MEASURING EMPLOYABILITY AMONG SPORTS GRADUATES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN MALAYSIA

Graduate employability remains a central concern for higher education institutions as labour markets increasingly demand graduates who can demonstrate adaptable capabilities and workplace-ready competencies. This study examined the level of employability among sports graduates from Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed involving 369 employed sports graduates from five campuses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of 20 items measuring employability through capabilities and competencies. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, with mean scores used to determine the level of employability among respondents. The findings revealed a high level of employability among respondents, indicating that sports graduates perceived themselves as possessing strong attributes for workplace participation, including adaptability, communication, problem-solving, learning readiness, and professional competence. This suggests that their academic preparation and employment exposure may have supported the development of employability attributes aligned with organizational expectations. The study contributes empirical evidence to graduate employability research by providing a focused profile of sports graduates within the Malaysian higher education context. Practically, the findings offer useful guidance for universities, employers, and policymakers in strengthening curriculum design, career development initiatives, and graduate support programmes. Future research should examine employability across disciplines, institutions, and employment sectors to provide a broader understanding of graduate readiness in changing labour markets.