TRANSCRIPTS. ChatGPT and Employability Perceptions in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study on Soft Skills

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are transforming the development of essential soft skills, particularly complex problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity, in higher education. This study examines the impact of using and not using ChatGPT on university students' perceptions of employability and their readiness for a technology-driven labor market. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research involved 32 students from the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism at Complutense University of Madrid. Data were collected through an 800-word contingency plan task and eight focus groups, divided equally between ChatGPT users and non-users. Thematic analysis was conducted using Grounded Theory and Atlas.ti software to identify emergent patterns and categories. Findings indicate that ChatGPT use enhances time efficiency, adaptability, and AI-assisted creativity, while non-use fosters originality, ethical reasoning, and teamwork. These insights underscore the complementary roles of technology and human-centered skills, offering evidence to support balanced educational strategies. The study advocates for integrating AI tools into university curricula to address the dynamic needs of the workforce while preserving essential interpersonal skills.<br>

以ChatGPT为代表的生成式人工智能（Generative Artificial Intelligence，简称AI）工具，正推动高等教育领域核心软技能的培育发生深刻变革，其中尤以复杂问题解决、批判性思维与创造力三类能力的培育为核心。本研究旨在探讨使用与未使用ChatGPT对大学生就业能力认知，以及其适配技术驱动型劳动力市场的准备程度所产生的影响。本研究采用质性研究方法，调研样本为马德里康普顿斯大学（Complutense University of Madrid）商务与旅游学院的32名学生。研究数据通过两项途径采集：其一为800字应急计划写作任务，其二为八组焦点小组访谈；受访学生按使用ChatGPT与未使用ChatGPT的比例平均分组。研究团队采用扎根理论（Grounded Theory）与Atlas.ti软件开展主题分析，以识别研究中涌现的模式与分类范畴。研究结果表明，使用ChatGPT能够提升时间利用效率、环境适应能力与AI辅助式创造力；而未使用ChatGPT则有助于培养原创思维、伦理推理能力与团队协作素养。上述研究结论凸显了技术工具与以人为本的技能之间的互补关系，可为制定均衡化的教育策略提供实证依据。本研究主张将AI工具融入大学课程体系，在保留核心人际技能的同时，适配劳动力市场的动态发展需求。