Holistic Competencies and Employability: Diagnosis and Improvements for Higher Education in Ecuador from a Labor Market Perspective

In a global context where soft skills have become decisive for employability and professional advancement, this study analyses its role in the career paths of university graduates in Ecuador. Based on an analysis of 1,884 graduates from the Salesian Polytechnic University (Cuenca campus), it was found that more than 90% of them work at operational levels within organisations. In comparison, only 5% hold tactical or managerial positions. This finding highlights a disconnect between university education and the skills required by the contemporary labour market. The study proposes a curriculum improvement strategy based on the sectoral identification of key soft skills, differentiated by economic sectors such as education, health, commerce, public administration, industry, and primary activities. This proposal is based on the cross-referencing of empirical data with international theoretical frameworks. It seeks to guide the progressive inclusion of crosscutting skills such as leadership, adaptability, critical thinking, and effective communication within university curricula. The results suggest a differentiated training strategy tailored to the productive environment, which can significantly enhance the career paths of graduates, facilitating their transition to positions of greater responsibility. The proposal can be replicated in other Latin American universities facing similar challenges of professional mobility and educational mismatch.