Enhancing the employability of young researchers in higher education and research institutions through intersectional praxis : a scrutiny of publication indices

Abstract

In an ever-changing and uncertain world, it is challenging to tackle the multiple factors that influence the job prospects of young researchers as well as their employability enhancement opportunities. This academic research is intended to address the spill overs of gender-based gaps, and to unveil the manifestations of postcolonial dynamics within Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (HERI) institutions contexts. Specifically, by recognizing the key elements of intersectionality that assist in or hinder young researchers in (i) acquiring, keeping, and finding jobs; (ii) comprehending the intricate social encounters that are fortified by intersectional investigation to overcome distinct obstacles; and (iii) enhancing employability skills and qualities in the educational setting intelligently and sustainably. The study is informed by ‘intersectional praxis’ for institutional transformation in HERI contexts. The paper’s discussion delves into ways how intersectionality is both a catalyst for employability enhancement and institutional excellence. Methodologically, the study comprised a qualitative scrutiny of how the concept of intersectionality featured in a selection of articles published 5-10 years earlier and scoped from established databases (WOS, SCOPUS). The findings support the discussion on the impact of postcolonial perspective(s) of young researchers on disrupting socio-political discourses, fostering further sustainable, nuanced, and comprehensive treatments of (anti) and (de)colonizing HERI contexts and experiences. © 2024, University of Malta. All rights reserved.