The Influence Of Social Network And Self Efficacy On Job Attainment: The Role Of Work Readiness Mediation

Authors

  • Nindya Putri Maharani Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
  • Kussudyarsana Kussudyarsana Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37385/msej.v7i2.10229

Keywords:

Job attainment, self efficacy, social networks, work readiness, university graduates

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of social networks and self-efficacy on university graduates’ job attainment, with work readiness as a mediating factor. Employing a quantitative survey method, data were collected from 200 purposively sampled 2024–2025 graduates domiciled in Central Java using structured online questionnaires. Social networks refer to formal and informal connections for accessing information, support, and job opportunities, while self-efficacy reflects individuals’ confidence and resilience in planning and executing career-related actions. Work readiness encompasses skills, knowledge, and personal attributes enhancing employability, and job attainment measures post-graduation employment success in terms of speed, relevance, and quality. The analytical strategy adopted a Partial Least Squares method via SmartPLS 4.0 to test the proposed model. Measurement properties were first confirmed through validity and reliability checks, followed by structural testing to determine the presence of direct, indirect, and mediating effects. The results show that social networks and self-efficacy significantly influence job attainment, both directly and indirectly through work readiness, highlighting the importance of external support, internal belief, and competency development in securing employment. The study also notes limitations related to sample scope and respondent subjectivity.

References

Adzikri, M. A., & Amalia, S. (2025). The relationship between self efficacy and the work readiness of students participating in internships and certified independent studies. Cognicia, 13(1), 38–45. https://doi.org/10.22219/cognicia.v13i1.39236

Asari, A., Thewa, T., Saleh, M. S., Purba, S., Rachmatiyah, R., Fariati, W. T., Hendarsyah, D., Arifin, A., Nova, M., Fakhri, N., & Anna, N. E. V. (2023). The role of social media in education. CV Istana Agency. ISBN 978-623-8242-11-5

Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. PBarus, R., & Simarmata, N. I. P. (2023). The effect of self efficacy on work readiness in final year students of HKBP Nommensen University Medan. INNOVATIVE: Journal of Social Science Research, 3(4), 6508–6521. https://j-innovative.org/index.php/Innovative

Belaid, S., Ballouk, H., & Hadoussa, S. (2025). Employability and digitalization: A bibliometric analysis with future research directions. Journal of Information Technology Management, 17(Special Issue), 125–151. https://doi.org/10.22059/jitm.2025.100701

Benson, V., Morgan, S., & Filippaios, F. (2014). Social career management: Social media and employability skills gap. Computers in Human Behavior, 30, 519–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.06.015

rentice-Hall.

Conejares, U.C., Chua, J.M.G., Chua, R.S., Cid, T.M.N. Collamar, H.A.J., Concha, D.R.P., Consumo, R.J.E., Cornejo, J.Z.C., Dela Cruz, T.J.C. (2024). School culture, selfefficacy, and job readiness of student nurses from a university in Quezon City. Powerful. 6, 2746-2762.

De Schepper, A., Clycq, N., & Kyndt, E. (2023). Social networks in the transition from higher education to work: A systematic review. Educational Research Review, 40, 100551.

Ferdinand, A. (2014). Management Research Methods: Research Guidelines for Thesis, Thesis and Accompanied by Management Science. Semarang: Diponegoro University.

Fitriyana, A. N., Kurjono, & Santoso, B. (2021). The influence of self efficacy on students' work readiness. Journal of Islamic Education Counseling, 2(2), 233–240. http://ejournal.alkhairat.ac.id/index.php/JKPI

Fugate, M., Kinicki, A. J., & Ashforth, B. E. (2004). Employability: A psycho-social construct, its dimensions, and applications. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65(1), 14-38.

Galbis, M. E., Wolff, F.-C., & Herault, A. (2020). How helpful are social networks in finding a job along the economic cycle? Evidence from immigrants in France. Economic Modelling, 91, 12–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2020.05.012

Geng, L., Ma, M., Osei-Kyei, R., Jin, X., & Shrestha, S. (2025). A review of employability skills for graduates in the construction sector. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 15(7), 153-170.

Ghozali, I. (2021). Multivariate analysis application with the IBM SPSS 25 program. Publishing Agency of Diponegoro University.

Granovetter, M. S. (1973). The strength of weak ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360-1380.

Greenbank, P., & Hepworth, S. (2008). Working Class Students and the Career Decision-making Process: a Qualitative Study. HECSU.

Gruman, J. A., & Saks, A. M. (2011). Performance management and employee engagement. Human Resource Management Review, 21(2), 123–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2010.09.004

Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2020). Multivariate data analysis (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Harianto, A., Buwani, B., Faradina, E., & Tuwoso, T. (2025, May 5). Factors affecting work readiness of vocational school graduates: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Studies in International Education, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.62951/ijsie.v2i2.281

Hartono, R. M., & Gunawan, W. (2017). Relationship of job search self efficacy with career adaptability. Mind Set, 8(2), 78–90. ISSN 2086-1966.

Huang, J., & Shang, H. (2023). Research on the impact of social networks on employment. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Financial Technology and Business Analysis. https://doi.org/10.54254/2754-1169/53/20230788

Ibrahim, A. A. E., Khan, N., Subbarao, A., Khan, S., Mar, T. C., & Rahman, H. M. M. (2025). Bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements for graduates. Asian Journal of Research in Education and Social Sciences, 7(5), 35–47. https://doi.org/10.55057/ajress.2025.7.5.4

Ismail, D. H., & Nugroho, J. (2022). Gen Z's work competencies in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Society 5.0. JIIP: Scientific Journal of Educational Sciences, 5(4), 1300–1307.

Jackson, D., Lambert, C., Sibson, R., Bridgstock, R., & Tofa, M. (2024). Student employability-building activities: participation and contribution to graduate outcomes. Higher Education Research & Development, 43(6), 1308–1324. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2024.2325154

Jung, J., Wang, Y., & Sanchez Barrioluengo, M. (2024). A scoping review on graduate employability in an era of 'technological unemployment'. Higher Education Research & Development, 43(3), 542–562. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2023.2292660

Krämer, N. C., Sauer, V., & Ellison, N. (2021). The strength of weak ties revisited: Further evidence of the role of strong ties in the provision of online social support. Social Media + Society, 7(2), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051211024958

Kristiana, J., Syamsuddin, A., Giovanni, J., & Meitiana, M. (2025). Bridging soft skills and work readiness: The strategic role of self efficacy and organizational experience in final-year students. JSM: Journal of Management Science, 14(1), 1–15.

Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79-122.

Li, H., Xu, J., & Luo, Y. (2024). The impact of mobile social media on knowledge sharing among vocational school teachers: A social cognitive career perspective. Journal of Information Science, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515241293754

Liana, T. M. M., Silaban, P., & Siregar, J. K. (2025). The effect of self efficacy, locus of control and internship experience on student work readiness. Advances in Management & Financial Reporting, 3(3), 1073–1085. https://doi.org/10.60079/amfr.v3i3.635

Nurrohim, Y. T., Sumastuti, E., & Setyorini, N. (2023). Analysis of students' career decision-making with career exploration as a mediator. MEA Scientific Journal (Management, Economics, and Accounting), 7(3), 1192–1204.

Osman, A. (2025). Configurations, dynamics, and temporality: Exploring the social networks of students and their relevance for successful transitions into higher education. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 8, 100419.

Permana, A. Y., Fitriani, F., & Aulia, T. (2023). Analysis of students' work readiness based on self efficacy of vocational high school in the building information modelling technology era. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 15(1), 192–203. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2023.15.01.017

Petruzziello, G., Mariani, M. G., Chiesa, R., & Guglielmi, D. (2021). Self efficacy and job search success for new graduates. Personnel Review, 54(1), 169-192.

Pham, M., Lam, B. Q., Nguyen, A. T. T., Dinh, T. K. T., & Tran, H. Y. (2024). How do environment and innovativeness affect digital entrepreneurial intention through education? An explanation from the social cognitive career theory. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101179.

Potkány, M., & Hajduková, A. (2015). Social networks and their importance in job searching of college students. Business: Theory and Practice, 16(1), 75–83. https://doi.org/10.3846/btp.2015.462

Prameswari, P., & Cahyani, A. (2023). Build learning system in SMK to increase self efficacy: The role of self efficacy on work readiness of vocational high school graduates in DKI Jakarta. In Proceedings of the 2023 SIET Conference (pp. 1–6). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3626641.3627021

Putra, A. I., & Andriani, C. (2025). Emotional intelligence and burnout in the banking sector: The role of self efficacy mediation. Journal of Business Economics Informatics, 7(3), 563–570.

Sánchez-Arrieta, N., González, R. A., Cañabate, A., & Sabate, F. (2021). Social Capital on Social Networking Sites: A Social Network Perspective. Sustainability, 13(9), 5147. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095147

Sitompul, F. K. T., Ahlia, I. S., & Wijaya, I. (2025). The effect of learning transfer and self efficacy on the work readiness of post-internship students. Balance: Journal of Accounting and Management, 4(2), 1204–1215. https://jurnal.risetilmiah.ac.id/index.php/jam

Sriulina, F. R., & Anatan, L. (2025). The effect of self efficacy, soft skills, and motivation on the work readiness of fresh graduates of University X. Equilibrium: Scientific Journal of Economics, Management and Accounting, 14(1). https://journal.stiem.ac.id/index.php/jureq

Subekti, R., Ohyver, D. A., Judijanto, L., Satwika, I. K. S., Umar, N., Hayati, N., Handika, I. P. S., Joosten, Migunani, Boari, Y., & Saktisyahputra, S. (2024). Digital transformation: Theory & implementation towards the era of Society 5.0. PT Sonpedia Publishing Indonesia. ISBN 978-623-8598-87-8

Taborosi, S., Popovic, J., Postin, J., Rajkovic, J., Berber, N., & Nikolic, M. (2022). Impact of Using Social Media Networks on Individual Work-Related Outcomes. Sustainability, 14(13), 7646. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137646

Douglas, N., Coetzee, M., & Schreuder, D. (2014). Job Embeddedness, Work Engagement and Turnover Intention of Staff in a Higher Education Institution: An Exploratory Study. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 12, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v12i1.524

Van Hooft, E. A. J., Kammeyer-Mueller, J. D., Wanberg, C. R., Kanfer, R., & Basbug, G. (2021). Job search and employment success: A quantitative review and future research agenda. Journal of Applied Psychology, 106(5), 674–713. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000675

Wanberg, C. R., Kanfer, R., & Banas, J. T. (1996). Predictors and consequences of job search in a sample of unemployed individuals. Journal of Applied Psychology, 81(6), 767-781.

Yorke, M. (2006). Employability in higher education: What it is, what it is not, and how it is measured. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 16(1), 75-92.

Cahyo, I. N., & Waskito, J. (2023). The influence of e-recruitment, company reputation, and job seekers' perception on job applicants' interest in applying for a job (case study on generation z solo raya). INFOTECH: Journal of Informatics & Technology, 4(2), 157-167

Downloads

Published

2026-01-20

How to Cite

Maharani, N. P., & Kussudyarsana, K. (2026). The Influence Of Social Network And Self Efficacy On Job Attainment: The Role Of Work Readiness Mediation. Management Studies and Entrepreneurship Journal (MSEJ), 7(2), 1243–1264. https://doi.org/10.37385/msej.v7i2.10229