Where Do Expectations Diverge? an Empirical Analysis of Software Engineering Graduate Preparedness in Industry.
Abstract
This study investigates the preparedness of software engineering graduates for professional roles in the evolving software industry, focusing on the alignment between academic curricula and industry expectations. Using a mixed-method exploratory design, data were collected from 21 graduates and 5 senior engineers through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and course assessment reports. Advanced analytical techniques, including thematic analysis, sentiment classification, and topic modeling, were employed to evaluate the gaps in theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and industry-aligned competencies. Findings reveal a persistent mismatch between graduates' selfperceived readiness and employer expectations, particularly in hands-on experience, familiarity with industry-standard tools, and collaborative workflows. Additionally, online learning and reliance on Large Language Models (LLMs) emerged as contributing factors, enhancing coding efficiency but raising concerns about over-reliance and diminished problem-solving depth. This study offers actionable recommendations to bridge educational gaps and improve the alignment between software engineering curricula and industry demands, providing insights valuable to educators, researchers, and practitioners. Index Terms-Software engineering, Graduate Industry readiness, Curriculum-industry alignment, Online learning I. I NTRODUCTION In recent years, software engineering, as an essential subdiscipline of computer science, has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity among university students, driven primarily by rapid technological advancements and an expanding digital economy [1], [2]. The attractiveness of software engineeringrelated education continues to rise globally [3]. Taking China as an illustrative example, according to statistics released by China's Ministry of Education, the number of software engineering graduates in 2024 increased by approximately 35% compared to 2020. This significant growth highlights both the growing enthusiasm among students for software engineering programs and the increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in industry and academia alike [4]. Despite the promising deve