Exploring the relationship between provided curriculum and employer expectations

Halpin, Alicia (2025) Exploring the relationship between provided curriculum and employer expectations. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This study explores the work readiness (WR) of recent Human Resource (HR) graduates in Ireland, focusing on their perceptions of how effectively their Higher Education Institute (HEI) prepared them for full-time employment. Adopting an interpretivist, qualitative approach, data were collected through eight semi-structured interviews with graduates who had completed HR programmes within the past five years. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step thematic analysis identified five overarching themes: (1) misalignment between curriculum and workplace requirements, (2) the importance of HR work placement, (3) technical skills, (4) soft skills, and (5) recommendations for improvement.

Findings from this research reveal a clear discrepancy between the theory focused curriculum and the operational competencies demanded in entry-level HR roles. Graduates emphasised the value of work experience in building confidence, applying theory to practice, and developing both technical and soft skills. Those without placement opportunities reported feeling disadvantaged and found it challenging transitioning into full-time employment. A lack technical competencies was identified such as HR systems, and in soft skills including conflict resolution, emotional preparedness, and interview capabilities.

Participants recommended mandatory HR work experience, technical systems training, interview workshops, and conflict-resolution roleplay, alongside better preparation for the personal and professional transition into full-time work. The study concludes that implementing more opportunity to apply theory to practical solutions, and soft skills development into HR curriculums would better align graduate capabilities with employer expectations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Sheerin, Corina UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Classes of Labour > Graduate Employment H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Masters of Science in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	01 Dec 2025 15:13
Last Modified:	01 Dec 2025 15:13
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9003

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