INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ON GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY AND ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS IN THE GLOBAL LABOR MARKET

Abstract

Background: English language proficiency has become an indispensable asset in the contemporary global labor market, increasingly shaping graduate employability outcomes and broader economic competitiveness. Objective: This study examines the relationship between measured English proficiency and employment attainment among university graduates in Uzbekistan, a rapidly internationalizing economy. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, combining a structured survey administered to 400 graduates with in-depth interviews of 40 participants and employer focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: IELTS band score emerged as the strongest single predictor of employment success (β = 0.47, p < .001), surpassing academic GPA and years of work experience. Graduates scoring above band 6.5 reported salaries 28% higher than peers below band 5.5 [1, p. 14]. Qualitative findings confirmed systemic language barriers at recruitment and promotion stages.