How Can an App Help You Understand Your Job Skills?

The Graduate Employability Skills app (GES‑APP) was created to help university students reflect on their professional competencies. The EU‑funded project evaluated the app in three iterative phases: an initial self‑assessment test, a second round with an improved prototype, and a final, more rigorous quasi‑experimental stage.

In the first phase, students liked being able to log their skills, finding the interface intuitive and the content well‑structured. Their feedback led developers to polish graphics, boost interactivity, and clarify the role of the employability coach.

The second round involved more students and staff, confirming interest and gathering extra ideas to make the app even more engaging.

During the final phase, pre‑ and post‑questionnaires revealed significant changes: participants better understood employer expectations and felt more prepared for their career paths.

These findings indicate that students warmly welcome digital tools that guide them from university to the workplace, making the road to their dream job clearer.

The iterative design of GES‑APP followed a user‑centered approach, where observations from students and faculty guided UI/UX revisions. In Phase 1, the self‑reporting method employed 5‑point Likert scales to assess transversal competencies (communication, problem solving, teamwork). Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups, allowing identification of usability and content issues.

In Phase 2, a high‑fidelity prototype with gamification elements (badges, progress bar) was introduced to boost intrinsic motivation. Statistical analysis used paired t‑tests to compare pre‑ and post‑intervention scores. Results showed an average 12% increase in awareness of market‑required skills (p < 0.01).

Phase 3 adopted a quasi‑experimental design with a control group. In addition to questionnaires, click‑stream and average interaction time were monitored to assess engagement. Regression analysis revealed that interaction with the “Employer Insights” section was the strongest predictor of career preparation improvement (β = 0.45, p < 0.001).

These findings support the hypothesis that a well‑designed app, built on continuous feedback, can effectively enhance self‑perception of competencies and align them with market demands, offering a replicable model for future digital learning initiatives in employability.