The Impact of Career Planning and Self-Concept on Employability among University Students: Exploring the Mediating Role of Learning Attitudes

Background: With the rapid development of education, higher education in China has become increasingly accessible and widespread. The number of university graduates is rising every year, leading to a more competitive job market. As a result, enhancing college students’ employability has become an urgent issue. This study explores the mechanisms through which career planning and self-concept affect employability, and examines the mediating role of learning attitude, aiming to provide both theoretical and practical guidance for improving employability. Methods: Drawing on the Career EDGE model, this study used convenience sampling to survey 735 undergraduates from universities in Hebei Province, China. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Statistics 27 and AMOS. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to test the effects of career planning, self-concept, and learning attitude on employability, and to verify the mediating role of learning attitude. Results: Career planning, self-concept, and learning attitude all showed significant positive effects on employability. Mediation analysis revealed that learning attitude mediated the relationship between career planning and employability, as well as between self-concept and employability. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that career planning and self-concept positively influence employability, and that learning attitude serves as an important pathway in this process. Universities should assist students in developing clear career plans and building a positive self-concept to foster active learning attitudes, thereby enhancing their employability.