Sustainable Employability of Agricultural Students in a Knowledge- Based Economy: a case from western of Iran

Appearance of knowledge-based economy, role of universities has been highlighted in providing employable graduates much-needed in current competitive marketplace towards national economic development. This descriptive-correlational research sought to measure employability level of agricultural students searching a sustainable job in the knowledge based economy; and to determine factors interfering in the construct. The population for this study was senior agricultural students of public universities (Kordestan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamedan, and Lorestan) in west of Iran (N=979). Through a stratified random sampling 274 students were selected. Data indicated that employability level of students to get a sustainable job were moderate. Discriminant analysis revealed that level of skills of knowledge-based economy and internal ambitions were respectively the most important factors that discriminated agricultural students regarding capability of getting a sustainable job. It can be recommended that orientation training, linkages of higher education and labor market, performance evaluation of graduates, career advisory on self-directed education and self-development; and more use of information technology in classroom could foster employability of the graduates.