The Mediating Effect of Convenient Skill Multiplier on the Relationship Between Educational Factors and Career Growth among Generation Z Professionals in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

In Malaysia’s evolving digital economy, the value of traditional higher education as a pathway to career success is being re-examined, especially in fast-paced fields like Information Technology (IT). Degree holders are no longer assured of promising career advancement purely on credentials. This study investigates how the Convenient Skill Multiplier as an informal digital upskilling paths such as online courses, coding bootcamps, and self-directed learning mediates the relationship between formal educational factors and career growth among Generation Z (Gen Z) IT professionals in the Klang Valley. Grounded in the Learning Ecologies Framework, Digital Capital Theory, and Protean Career Theory, the research examines three dimensions of higher education i.e. Knowledge Acquisition, Cognitive Development, Information Filtering as predictors of early-career growth. A quantitative cross-sectional survey of 210 Gen Z IT professionals was conducted, with stratified sampling ensuring representation across education levels and job roles. Statistical analyses revealed that higher education factors positively correlate with career growth, but their influence is significantly amplified when mediated by the Convenient Skill Multiplier. Notably, self-directed digital upskilling emerged as a strong predictor of career advancement in the rapidly evolving IT sector. The findings suggest a paradigm shift of rather than relying solely on academic credentials, Gen Z professionals should leverage on-demand learning resources to enhance employability and adapt to changing job demands. This allows educators, employers, and policymakers to integrate flexible, tech-driven learning opportunities into formal curricula and workforce development strategies to better support the career trajectories of Malaysia’s emerging digital workforce.

Career Growth, Convenient Skill Multiplier, Digital Learning, Generation Z

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