Improving Graduate Outcomes by Identifying Skills Gaps and Recommending Courses Based on Career Interests

TL;DR

This paper presents a machine learning-based course recommendation system tailored to students' career goals, aiming to enhance graduate outcomes by aligning academic choices with industry demands.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel integrated algorithmic framework combining data mining, collaborative filtering, and user-centered design for personalized course recommendations.

Findings

System effectively aligns courses with industry trends.

User feedback improved recommendation accuracy.

Enhanced user interface increased system usability.

Abstract

This paper aims to address the challenge of selecting relevant courses for students by proposing the design and development of a course recommendation system. The course recommendation system utilises a combination of data analytics techniques and machine learning algorithms to recommend courses that align with current industry trends and requirements. In order to provide customised suggestions, the study entails the design and implementation of an extensive algorithmic framework that combines machine learning methods, user preferences, and academic criteria. The system employs data mining and collaborative filtering techniques to examine past courses and individual career goals in order to provide course recommendations. Moreover, to improve the accessibility and usefulness of the recommendation system, special attention is given to the development of an easy-to-use front-end interface. The front-end design prioritises visual clarity, interaction, and simplicity through iterative prototyping and user input revisions, guaranteeing a smooth and captivating user experience. We refined and optimised the proposed system by incorporating user feedback, ensuring that it effectively meets the needs and preferences of its target users. The proposed course recommendation system could be a useful tool for students, instructors, and career advisers to use in promoting lifelong learning and professional progression as it fills the gap between university learning and industry expectations. We hope that the proposed course recommendation system will help university students in making data-drive and industry-informed course decisions, in turn, improving graduate outcomes for the university sector.