Impact of international academic mobility and professional internships on employability: A documentary analysis in mexican public universities

Abstract

This study critically examines the combined impact of international academic mobility and professional internships on the employability of university graduates from Mexican public institutions. Using an empirical-documentary approach, it systematically reviewed institutional reports, mobility assessments, internship evaluations, and graduate follow-up studies published between 2018 and 2024. Findings reveal an upward trend in institutional adoption of these strategies, with participation rates in mobility programs increasing moderately and internship integration becoming more systematic during this period. Graduates who engaged in both experiences achieved faster transitions to formal employment, reporting an average reduction of up to 35 percent in job-search time compared to peers without these experiences. They also demonstrated higher acquisition of transversal competencies valued by employers, such as teamwork, adaptability, and intercultural communication. However, these benefits remain concentrated in well-resourced universities, while regional institutions report persistent gaps in access, quality assurance, and evaluation, limiting equitable impact on youth employability in Mexico.