Rapid changes in technology and globalization have altered traditional demands on workplace requirements. This transition requires that graduates are proficient in a wider variety of 21st-century skills including creativity and innovation than in the past. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how Destination Imagination alumni perceived that the 21st-century skills they learned as part of their academic extracurricular experiences informed their early career readiness. The study was grounded on the 3 constructs found in Rojewski and Hill’s career-technical and workforce education framework: work ethic skills, ability to be innovative, and career navigation. Using a basic qualitative methodology, the perceptions of 11 Destination Imagination alumni were explored through semi-structured interviews. Participants were sourced from a randomized global sample of early career employed adults, who had participated on Destination Imagination teams for 3 or more years. The interview data were analyzed through two cycles of emergent coding based on the 3 constructs. The key finding was that Destination Imagination alumni perceived their experiences developed a wide variety of skills desired by employers and necessary for successful entry into the workforce. Participants recalled and described specific skills including teamwork, communication, innovation, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, initiative, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning. The results of this study may offer insights into ways that administrators and educators might design enriched academic extracurricular activities intended to enhance 21st-century skills thereby improving graduate employability.

Authors:
Sharon Kovalevsky, Walden University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Sharon Kovalevsky teaches the Pathways elementary school alternative program. Her research explored Destination Imagination alumni views of 21st century skills developed and how these experiences supported their early careers.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-kovalevsky-48050b163/

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