Career Adaptability and Employability in the University-Work Transition: Mediating Adaptive Responses

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships established between career adaptability and perceived employability, considering the mediating effect of the adaptive responses in these relationships, in a sample of 387 university students. For data collection, we used the Career Adaptability Scale, the University Student Career Development Scale, and the Employability Scale. The results suggest positive and moderate associations between the constructs studied, besides a possible partial mediating effect of the adaptive responses in relation to the perceived employability. Additionally, the results indicate the prediction of career adaptability and adaptive responses in relation to perceived employability, especially in the career dimension and career identity. Finally, we discuss the implications of the results in the vocational literature, emphasizing the university-work transition.