Frischa Meivilona Yendi, Zadrian Ardi, Ade Herdian Putra, Afdal, Nisa Indah Pertiwi, Gusni Dian Suri
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, delayed graduation can significantly hinder university students’ readiness to enter a highly competitive job market. This study aims to examine the impact of social support and career gap adaptability on the career readiness of Indonesian university students who experience delayed graduation, within the context of ongoing digital transformation in the workforce. Using a quantitative approach and path analysis, data from 521 students were analyzed. The results indicate that career readiness is strongly influenced by career gap adaptability, which also plays a mediating and moderating role in the relationship between social support and career readiness. Social support, both directly and indirectly, enhances students’ capacity to adapt to graduation delays and prepare for employment. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening adaptability and social support as essential components of digital-era career readiness. Practical implications include the development of technology-assisted counseling and digital career guidance programs aimed at helping university students remain resilient and competitive despite graduation delays. © 2026 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatera, Padang, Indonesia; Universitas Andalas, West Sumatera, Padang, Indonesia
