DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2663-4619/115/168-176
Ilahe Saidova
Khazar University
Master student
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0095-168X
ilahe.seidova@gmail.com
How Effective Are Career Centers? Analysis of Universities
Accreditation Reports in Azerbaijan
Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of universities career centers in Azerbaijan in enhancing student and graduate employability, based on a content analysis of 15 institutional accreditation reports. The analysis focuses on the national quality assurance criterion for “Career Services and Ongoing Contact with Alumni” (Criterion 3.10) to identify how well universities implement career support structures and activities. The findings reveal substantial variability across institutions: while a few universities demonstrate comprehensive career center strategies – including dedicated career counseling, integrated career-planning courses, robust internship programs, regular job fairs, and systematic alumni tracking – many others have only rudimentary or under-resourced services. Several institutions excel in forging employer partnerships and using data on graduate outcomes to improve programs, but in most cases career services remain uneven and only partially aligned with best practices. This disparity in career center development correlates with inconsistent graduate employment outcomes nationally. The study’s conclusions underscore the need for standardized evaluation frameworks and stronger monitoring by education authorities
Keywords: career services, student employability, university accreditation, Azerbaijan Higher Education, career center effectiveness, QAAE Reports, student career development, institutional quality assurance