As part of a teaching innovation project, a study was conducted with the primary aim of analysing the perceptions of students enrolled in the Industrial Engineering Bachelor's Degree at the University of Jaen regarding the quality of their academic training, employability, and awareness of career opportunities. The research included a sample of 100 students from various specialisations (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial Management, and Double Degrees) and was complemented by the participation of graduate students, who shared their academic and professional experiences through a seminar.

The methodological instrument employed was a structured survey using Likert-type scales (1–5), organised into three thematic blocks: perception of the labour market, evaluation of the academic curriculum, and the usefulness of the graduate students seminar. The analysis was carried out both globally and disaggregated by specialisation, using means and standard deviations.

Among the most significant findings, students specialising in Mechanical Engineering demonstrated greater clarity in choosing their academic pathway (3.68/5) and expressed the highest overall satisfaction with their studies (4.18/5). In contrast, students in the Electronic Engineering specialisation reported lower levels of clarity (2.59/5) and awareness of career opportunities (2.00/5). Overall, the connection between the university and the business environment was rated as moderate (3.65/5), whereas the information provided by the institution regarding employability strategies was deemed insufficient (2.57/5).

With regard to the academic curriculum, the relationship between theoretical and practical content received one of the lowest evaluations (2.54/5), except in the case of the Double Degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (3.75/5). The updating of academic content achieved a mean score of 3.25, with the Double Degree in Mechanical and Industrial Management achieving the highest rating (4.40). The Electronic and Industrial Management specialisations offered more critical assessments of the curriculum's orientation (2.17 and 2.50 respectively).

The graduate students seminar was well received in terms of its perceived usefulness and relevance (4.42/5), particularly among students in the Electronic Engineering specialisation (4.63/5). However, participants exhibited limited knowledge of the companies represented (2.12/5), highlighting the need to broaden the range of professional profiles presented and to strengthen their connection to the local productive context.

In conclusion, the study reveals a notable gap between university education and students' career expectations. It is considered essential to reinforce the practical dimension of the curriculum, enhance career guidance, and establish stronger links with the business sector. Furthermore, graduate students seminars are confirmed as a valuable tool for introducing students to the labour market, although a greater diversification of professional profiles and perspectives is recommended.

Acknowledgements:
This work has been funded by the project PID2024_012: “El aprendizaje en alternancia como herramienta motivacional y aproximación a la innovación empresarial con jóvenes egresados/as de la UJA: nuevas perspectivas de empleo”. Vicerrectorado de Formación Permanente, Tecnologías Educativas e Innovación Docente de la Universidad de Jaén.

Keywords: Employability, Academic Curriculum Evaluation, Career Guidance, Teaching Innovation, Graduate Seminars, Professional Opportunities.