Employability and mobility of Saudi literature and linguistics graduates in a transforming labor market

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/f4cccm33

Keywords:

employability, employer perceptions, graduate mobility, labor market transitions, language and linguistics graduates, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This empirical study integrates national labor market data with primary research to assess employability and mobility among Saudi Literature and Linguistics graduates under Vision 2030. Considering National Labor Observatory reports for benchmarks on employment rates, transition duration, and salary levels, the study combines these indicators with survey data from 200 graduates, employer evaluations from 50 employers, and qualitative focus groups. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, t tests, and thematic analysis were conducted. In the sample, 37% of graduates were employed at the time of data collection, with a mean job search duration of 285 days and starting salaries below the national average. Internship participation and willingness to relocate were significant predictors of employment status. Employers rated graduate preparedness significantly lower than graduates’ self-assessments, particularly in digital literacy and applied bilingual proficiency. 

Author Biographies

  • Saeed Saleh Alkahtani, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu

    SAEED SALEH ALKAHTANI, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of ESL/EFL at Yanbu Industrial College, Saudi Arabia. He holds degrees in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, and ESL/EFL Education from King Saud University, Ball State University, and the University of Tennessee. His research interests include EFL teaching and learning, learning strategies, assessment, and evaluation. Email: alkahtanis@rcjy.edu.sa

  • SYED NAEEM AHMED, Royal Commission Colleges & Institutes

    SYED NAEEM AHMED, PhD, is a Professor of Language and Education at the Royal Commission Colleges and Institutions, Saudi Arabia. With more than 25 years of experience, he specializes in academic quality, curriculum design, and teacher development. His research advances governance, professional standards, and innovation in higher education. Email: nahmed@rcjy.edu.sa

  • Saeed Abdullah Alzahrani, Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia

    SAEED ABDULLAH ALZAHRANI, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia. His research focuses on applied linguistics, language assessment, pragmatics, translation studies, and curriculum alignment related to graduate employability. Email: samaeed@bu.edu.sa

  • Kholoud Saeed Alghamdi, Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia

    KHOLOUD SAEED ALGHAMDI, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of English Literature at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia. Her research explores postcolonial literature, identity, cultural representation, and the role of literary competencies in graduate employability. Email: khs.ghamdi@bu.edu.sa

  • Eman Abdulrahman Alharbi, Freelance Research Consultant

    EMAN ABDULRAHMAN ALHARBI, PhD, is an Assistant Professor and independent consultant based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Her work focuses on linguistics, inclusive pedagogy, educational leadership, and graduate readiness in multilingual contexts. Email: ealharbi288@gmail.com

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Published

2026-06-07

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 13 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Saeed Saleh Alkahtani, SYED NAEEM AHMED, Saeed Abdullah Alzahrani, Kholoud Saeed Alghamdi, Eman Abdulrahman Alharbi

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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How to Cite

Alkahtani, S. S., Ahmed, S. N. ., Alzahrani, S. A. ., Alghamdi, K. S., & Alharbi, E. A. (2026). Employability and mobility of Saudi literature and linguistics graduates in a transforming labor market. Journal of International Students, 16(13), 253-272. https://doi.org/10.32674/f4cccm33