PENGARUH KETERLIBATAN ORGANISASI KEMAHASISWAAN DAN AKTIVITAS ALTERNATIF KEMAHASISWAAN TERHADAP KESIAPAN KERJA MAHASISWA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of involvement in student organizations and alternative student activities on improving students’ employability through research conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Padjadjaran University. Data collection was conducted through a survey involving 248 respondents and analyzed using multiple linear regression. Work readiness was measured using Caballero’s (2011) theory. Involvement in student organizations as a form of learning that can develop soft skills and provide experience as well as alternative student activities such as internships, courses, and participation in external professional communities are also believed to contribute to enhancing students’ work readiness. However, observational findings indicate a declining interest among students in participating in student organizations, influenced by the assumption that involvement in such organizations and the programs they offer is less relevant for enhancing work readiness compared to alternative student activities that provide immediately tangible benefits, such as professional experience, personal development, wider networking opportunities, and potential compensation. However, this assumption that such involvement is less relevant to enhancing work readiness has not yet been fully empirically proven. The research results indicate that involvement in student organizations has a positive and significant effect on work readiness, with a beta value of 0.423 and a significance level of 0.000. Participation in alternative student activities also has a positive effect on work readiness with a beta value of 0.300 and a significance level of 0.000. At the same time, involvement in student organizations and alternative student activities have a significant effect on work readiness with an F-value of 90.795. Statistically, an interesting finding emerged, involvement in student organizations has a greater influence on work readiness. Although respondents subjectively felt that alternative student activities were more helpful for their work readiness, this indicates a gap between perception and reality. It can be concluded that these two options complement each other and should be combined by students: student organizations as a foundation for developing soft skills, and alternative student activities as a source of practical and professional experience.