Competency-Based Career Incubation for Young Graduates in Tuapukan Village, Kupang Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62282/devotion.v4i1.57-67Keywords:
curriculum vitae, educated unemployment, employability, job interview simulation, work readinessAbstract
Limited formal employment opportunities in East Nusa Tenggara Province present significant challenges for young graduates entering the workforce. This community service program aimed to strengthen graduates' work readiness in Tuapukan Village, Kupang Regency, through competency-based career incubation. The program employed the first cycle of Participatory Action Research, comprising planning, action, observation, and reflection, in collaboration with the village government and human resource practitioners. A total of 49 participants received practical training in preparing professional curricula vitae compatible with automated recruitment systems, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, public speaking, job interview simulations, and psychological test preparation. Follow-up mentoring was conducted through a WhatsApp group. Program evaluation utilized a post-training perception questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The findings indicated that 89.8 percent of participants perceived themselves as better prepared for employment, while 85.7 percent reported increased confidence in participating in recruitment processes. However, understanding of recruitment procedures and automated recruitment-compatible curricula vitae remained relatively low, at 57.1 percent and 59.2 percent, respectively. These findings represent self-reported perceptions rather than objectively measured competency improvements. The program produced 49 trained participants, practical interview experience, and a digital career support community. This initiative demonstrates the potential of village-based partnerships to support graduate employability, although further evaluation using baseline assessments, practical competency measurements, and employment tracking is necessary.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Olaf Tri Wilopo Simanjuntak, Johanis Oenunu, Abram Danial Lubertus Laleb, Theddy Baskhara Foenale, Agusman Harefa, Ravel Anwar, James Miguel Danielo, Kayleen Bale Doto, Adianto Stieven (Author)

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