Introduction
The transition from university to work requires students to develop both transversal competencies and psychological resources that sustain employability and well-being over time. In a rapidly evolving labor market, soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork are increasingly recognized as essential personal assets that promote motivation and proactive career engagement. Understanding their role in fostering sustainable employability can guide educational policies and interventions aimed at preparing students for meaningful, human-centered careers.


Purpose
This study examined how soft skills predict employability, psychological capital, and adaptive behaviors among Italian university students. It also explored potential differences between students from STEM and non-STEM disciplines, aiming to identify whether disciplinary background moderates these associations.


Methods
Grounded in the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and Positive Organizational Psychology frameworks, a structural equation model (SEM) was tested on a balanced sample of 501 Italian university students. The model assessed relationships between self-reported soft skills, employability, psychological capital, and proactive career behaviors. Multi-group analyses compared STEM and non-STEM students to detect possible differences in the strength of these relationships.


Results
Soft skills significantly predicted employability, psychological capital, and proactive behaviors in both groups. The association between soft skills and psychological capital was slightly stronger among non-STEM students, while the link between soft skills and employability was robust and consistent across disciplines. Multi-group comparisons revealed no significant overall differences between the two models, indicating a similar structural pattern across fields of study.


Conclusions
Findings highlight the pivotal role of soft skills as sustainable personal resources that enhance employability and psychological well-being across academic disciplines. Universities should implement evidence-based programs to cultivate students' soft skills and psychological capital, strengthening their readiness for sustainable and adaptive career paths.