Evaluating the Effectiveness of PBL-based Career Development Programs

Abstract

This study aims to empirically examine how project-based learning (PBL) and project management experiences within seminar activities influence university students’ job-hunting outcomes and career development. In the modern job market, practical skills such as project execution, team management, and problem-solving are increasingly valued alongside academic knowledge. The research compares students who engaged in PBL-based seminars involving real project management with those who experienced only traditional seminars. It evaluates how experiences in planning, executing, and assessing projects affect self-efficacy, leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. In addition, the study tracks job interview evaluations, offer rates, employer quality, job satisfaction, and early promotion to assess long-term effects. Interviews with recruiters further explore how PBL experiences align with employer expectations. The expected outcome is to propose a framework for effective PBL-based career programs, offering a new model that integrates seminars with project management education to enhance the quality of university education and career support.