Perceptions of Social Media and Networking: Job Search and Employability Enhancements among Postgraduate Women Students

Abstract

This study investigates the role of general social media platforms in job searching and employability enhancement among postgraduate women students. As social media increasingly influences career development, this research addresses the gap in understanding how platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram contribute to the job search process, particularly for women pursuing advanced degrees. Utilizing a descriptive research design, data were collected from 100 postgraduate women through a structured questionnaire that seeks to evaluate their perceptions of social media's effectiveness in job seeking and career advancement. The findings reveal that most respondents perceive social media as a valuable tool for accessing job opportunities and enhancing their employability. Notably, participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the convenience and speed of information retrieval on these platforms compared to traditional job search methods. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning direct communication with potential employers. Statistical analyses, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis H tests, indicate significant differences in the perceptions based on academic course selection. Overall, this research underscores the importance of leveraging general social media for career development while highlighting the need for targeted strategies to maximize its effectiveness in enhancing employability among postgraduate women students.