Perceptions of Final-Year English Majors at a Public University Concerning Their Job Readiness in Relation to 21st Century Skills

Among 21st century skills, critical thinking (CT), creativity or creative thinking (CR), collaboration or teamwork (CL), communication (CM), and information and communication technology (ICT) competence (collectively referred to as 4Cs-ICT) are considered essential for job readiness, particularly for English majors preparing to work in multicultural and technology-driven environments. This study investigates the perceptions of final-year English majors at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) regarding the importance of 4Cs-ICT, their self-assessment of proficiency in these skills, and their recommendations for improvement. Employing a mixed-methods design, the data were collected from 47 questionnaire responses and 11 semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that students highly valued 4Cs-ICT, especially CT and CL, but remained less confident in their own proficiency, particularly in CT and CR. Both subjective and objective factors were identified as barriers to skill development. The students suggested integrating 4Cs-ICT more systematically into the curriculum, expanding extracurricular and project-based activities, and fostering a more open, technology-enhanced learning environment. These results highlight an urgent need to strengthen 21st century skills among English majors to enhance their job readiness in an increasingly competitive and globalized labor market.

Communication skills · Competence (human resources) · Creativity · Multiculturalism · Perception · Public university · Relation (database) · Teamwork · Work experience · Education and Critical Thinking Development · Higher Education and Employability · Innovations in Education and Learning Technologies