The Impact of Digital Transformation on Job Search and Employment Access Skills among Economics Students at Thu Dau Mot University
In the context of digital transformation, which is profoundly reshaping labor markets worldwide, the development of digital competencies and employability skills has become an essential requirement for university students. This study aims to examine the impact of digital competencies on soft skills and employment outcomes among economics students at Thu Dau Mot University. Drawing upon the European Commission’s DigComp 2.2 Digital Competence Framework and Yorke’s (2006) employability model, the study proposes a conceptual framework comprising five dimensions of digital competence: Information and Data Literacy (INF), Communication and Collaboration (COM), Digital Content Creation (CRE), Digital Safety (SAFE), and Problem Solving (PROB). Soft Skills (SOFT) are conceptualized as a mediating variable, while Employment Outcomes (EMP) serve as the dependent variable. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing 500 valid questionnaires collected from economics students. The data were analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that all five dimensions of digital competence exert positive and statistically significant effects on students’ SOFT, with INF demonstrating the strongest influence. However, the relationship between SOFT and EMP was found to be statistically insignificant. The results contribute to the growing body of empirical evidence regarding the role of digital competencies in enhancing students’ employability-related capabilities. Furthermore, the study offers practical implications for universities, students, and employers in fostering workforce readiness and improving adaptability to the evolving labor market in the era of digital transformation.