Work readiness, internship quality, and employability in logistics education: a PLS-SEM study

Abstract

This study examines how logistics and supply chain management education supports students’ transition from university to employment. It addresses a key issue in application-oriented programs: coursework and internships do not automatically translate into work readiness, perceived employability, or transition confidence. Drawing on employability and career development research, the study tests an integrated model linking career adaptability, career decision clarity, career support perception, work readiness, internship effectiveness, perceived employability, and transition outcome perception. Data were collected from 1,080 students through an anonymous online survey conducted from 23 March to 10 April 2026. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied. Results show that career support perception, career adaptability, and career decision clarity enhance work readiness, while work readiness and internship effectiveness improve perceived employability. Perceived employability is the strongest predictor of transition outcome perception, whereas internship effectiveness contributes mainly through employability beliefs rather than direct effects.