Datasets

Only 37% of Saudi Arabia’s literature and linguistics graduates are employed in any capacity, according to a 2023 report by the National Labor Observatory. This figure underscores the persistent gap between higher education outcomes and labour market demands, particularly considering Saudi Vision 2030’s push for workforce localization. Despite ongoing reforms, the employment trajectories of humanities graduates remain underexplored. This study investigates the employability and mobility of literature and linguistics graduates using a convergent mixed methods design. Data was collected from 200 graduates and 50 employers via structured surveys, focus groups, and open-ended questionnaires. Findings indicate that although 37% of graduates reported being employed in some form, only 26% had secured traditional full-time roles, with others engaged in freelancing, further study, or remaining unemployed. The study introduces the EMPOWER Framework, an adaptation of Yorke and Knight’s USEM model, which incorporates contextual dimensions such as mobility, institutional support, and employer perceptions. Results highlight mismatches between graduate self-perceptions and employer expectations, especially regarding practical readiness and self-marketing. Geographic immobility, especially among women, also emerged as a key barrier. The study recommends embedding transferable skills and work-integrated learning into humanities curricula, strengthening university-industry partnerships, and implementing targeted policies like mobility incentives. The EMPOWER Framework provides a replicable tool for analyzing employability in non-Western contexts. Future research should examine regional disparities, long-term graduate outcomes, and institutional strategies to bridge readiness gaps and improve labor market alignment for humanities disciplines.