The Influence of English Proficiency on Employability in Engineering Fields

Authors

  • Suhaimi Tegamuni Sekolah Tinggi Teknik Atlas Nusantara, Ternate, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38035/dijemss.v7i6.6576

Keywords:

English language proficiency, Employability, Human capital theory, Career outcomes

Abstract

English language proficiency (ELP) has emerged as a critical determinant of employability in the global engineering labor market. This quantitative study investigates the influence of ELP on employability outcomes among engineering graduates, encompassing dimensions of job acquisition, salary attainment, career advancement, and workplace communication effectiveness. Using a structured survey instrument administered to 385 engineering graduates from five research universities in Indonesia, data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results indicated that ELP significantly and positively predicted overall employability scores (β = 0.472, p < .001), with writing proficiency and oral communication demonstrating the strongest individual contributions. Regression analysis revealed that ELP explained 38.4% of the variance in employability outcomes (R² = .384, F(4, 380) = 59.26, p < .001), even after controlling for technical GPA and work experience. Graduates with higher TOEFL-equivalent scores (≥550) reported substantially shorter job-seeking periods, higher starting salaries, and greater rates of career progression within three years of graduation. In conclusion, Human Capital Theory's prediction yields measurable economic returns and underscores the urgent need for engineering curricula to integrate systematic ELP development.

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Published

2026-09-08

How to Cite

Tegamuni, S. (2026). The Influence of English Proficiency on Employability in Engineering Fields . Dinasti International Journal of Education Management and Social Science, 7(6), 5475–5486. https://doi.org/10.38035/dijemss.v7i6.6576

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 6 (2026): Dinasti International Journal of Education Management and Social Science (August - September 2026)

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