Addressing the issue of graduates lacking key employability related skills: a Case Study from the University of Sydney Business School of effective learning support for undergraduate business communication skills in first year.

Abstract: The challenge of Business School graduates lacking the skills for job readiness is one that has existed for decades. Communication skills are one of the 21st century soft skills particularly lacking. This is an issue experienced across postgraduate and undergraduate courses with the suggestion to embed programs in first year undergraduate subjects to provide the best chance of improving student learning and development. Our study explores the triple accredited University of Sydney Business Schools business communication learning and support program (BCAW) undertaken by all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce in their first semester. Examining 10,000 students over a five-year period (2018-2022), the preliminary findings suggest such programs are effective in developing students’ business communication skills with average exam marks increasing by up to 10%.