Examining the Role of Mentoring on Perceived Employability Among University Students in China

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of mentoring on university students’ perception of employability in China and to investigate the role of mentoring duration, frequency, and mentor-mentee similarity as potential moderating factors. This quantitative study was conducted by administering an online survey among university students in China. All participants ( N = 1023) completed demographic questions and a Likert scale questionnaire consisting of 16 self-perceived employability scale items and 25 college student mentoring scale items. After controlling for the university students’ age, gender, academic field, and university rank, mentoring was significantly positively associated with perceived employability. Our results further reveal that out of the four mentoring functions, psychological emotional support is significantly positively associated with perceived employability. The findings suggest that mentoring duration, frequency, and mentor-mentee similarities shape the impact of psychological emotional support on employability. The findings of this study contribute to the literature on mentoring and perceived employability, and provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and mentoring program developers. By emphasizing the importance of key mentorship functions, educational institutions can develop effective mentoring programs and interventions to enhance university students’ career prospects and employability.