Developing Gen Z Students’ Work Readiness: Hard Skills, Soft Skills, and Internships

Abstract

This study is motivated by the increasing demands of the labor market for higher education graduates who not only possess hard skills but also demonstrate strong soft skills and practical experience. However, a gap remains between the competencies acquired by students and the needs of the industry, particularly among Generation Z students. This study aims to analyze the effect of hard skills and soft skills on work readiness, with internship experience serving as an intervening variable among university students in Pekanbaru City. The research employs a quantitative approach using purposive sampling techniques, involving 110 respondents who met the specified criteria. The sample size was determined using G*Power. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results indicate that hard skills have a significant effect on internship experience but do not exhibit a strong direct effect on work readiness. In contrast, soft skills significantly influence both internship experience and work readiness. Internship experience is found to have the most dominant effect on work readiness and acts as a significant intervening variable in the relationship between both hard skills and soft skills and work readiness. In conclusion, students’ work readiness is not directly formed by the mere possession of skills, but rather through the transformation of competencies that occurs during real work experiences. Therefore, strengthening internship programs becomes a key factor in enhancing students’ work readiness..