Educational Credentials as Employability Signals: Educational Attainment and Perceived Employment Opportunities among Generation Z in Urban Indonesia

Devy Putri Kussanti; Windu Tiastuti; Sri Wulandari; Nur Ridwan

doi:10.61132/yudistira.v4i4.3093

Authors

Devy Putri Kussanti Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika
Windu Tiastuti Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika
Sri Wulandari Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika
Nur Ridwan Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61132/yudistira.v4i4.3093

Keywords:

Educational Attainment, Employment Opportunities, Generation Z, Signaling Theory, Labour Market

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between educational attainment and perceived employment opportunities among Generation Z in urban Indonesia, using Bekasi as the empirical context. Drawing on signaling theory, educational credentials are viewed as communicative signals of competence, credibility, and potential value in the labour market. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 100 Generation Z respondents in Bekasi. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, item-total correlation, reliability analysis, residual normality testing, and simple linear regression. The findings indicate a strong positive relationship between educational attainment and perceived employment opportunities. The regression model explains 76.0% of the variance in perceived employment opportunities, with educational attainment identified as a statistically significant predictor. These findings suggest that educational credentials function not only as formal qualifications but also as signals through which young people assess their position, competence, and prospects in the labour market. The study highlights the informational role of education in shaping Generation Z’s perceptions of employment opportunities in urban Indonesia. The results further indicate that higher educational attainment may strengthen young people’s confidence in accessing employment opportunities and navigating competitive labour-market conditions. This study contributes to the understanding of education as a signalling mechanism and provides empirical evidence regarding its relevance to employment perceptions among Generation Z in Indonesia.

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References

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