Impact of Family Income, Academic Performance, and Study Challenges on Employment Outcomes of 2023–2024 Politeknik Merlimau Melaka Graduates

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing graduate employability and post-graduation income among the 2023 and 2024 cohorts of Politeknik Merlimau Melaka (PMM). Utilizing secondary data from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia’s Kajian Pengesanan Graduan (SKPG) national tracer study, the research examines the impact of academic performance, family income, and study-related challenges on employment outcomes. A total of 2,912 graduates were analyzed using quantitative methods, including descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings reveal that academic performance, particularly a CGPA above 3.00, significantly enhances employability, although extremely high CGPAs show diminishing marginal returns. Family income emerged as a strong predictor of both immediate employment decisions and post-graduation earnings, with lower-income graduates more likely to seek employment early, often in lower-paying roles. Additionally, challenges such as financial hardship and emotional difficulties slightly reduced employability rates. The study concludes that graduate employment outcomes are shaped by a combination of academic, socioeconomic, and personal factors. These insights can support evidence-based strategies to improve graduate support services and align educational outcomes with labor market demands.

Keywords: Graduate Employability, Academic Performance, Family Income, Polytechnic Education, Employment Outcomes