Corporate Social Responsibility in Higher Education Enhancing Graduate Employability Through Extracurricular Skill Development and Social Accountability.

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the incorporation of corporate social responsibility and extracurricular activities in tertiary institutions and graduate employability, acquisition of skills, and social responsibility. The modern literature puts an emphasis on the role of extracurricular activities in developing key competencies which are becoming more and more desired by employers because they are the backbone of career readiness. Such activities help students to improve their academic training, flexibility, and confidence, in addition to providing networking possibilities with professionals, which are likely to help them secure a job in the future. Higher education institutions have CSR programs that enhance ethical awareness, civic participation and social responsibility among learners. By having the society engaged, practicing sustainability, and being socially responsible in their research, students gain better insights into their behaviours, as well as gain the skills of problem-solving socially. These experiences support a personal and professional development as he/she would reveal the ability to make moral decisions and positive contributions to the workplace. The study highlights the fact that students are faced with a lot of hurdles to participate in extracurricular activities and corporate social responsibility. Disadvantaged groups are unable to develop these competencies due to corporate and institutional barriers, economic inequalities and cultural limitations thus leading to an uneven career advancement.  The research suggests that Higher education institutions should implement institutional policies and frameworks of structured extracurricular activities and corporate social responsibility within their pedagogical frameworks to improve universal access through employer-community relations. Future scholars need to undertake additional cross-cultural studies to establish the effects of such activities on employability at an international level. Well integrated and made accessible to all, extracurricular activities and corporate social responsibility programs, on an individual level, enhance career opportunities and promote social development in regard to the responsible citizenship agenda of higher education.