Bridging Skill Gaps: An Empirical Study on Gender Differences in Communication Competence and Psychological Readiness of Tamil-medium Engineering Graduates

This study investigates gender-based differences in communication competence among Tamil-medium engineering graduates, focusing on their academic and pre-professional experiences. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews to assess linguistic confidence, classroom participation, peer interaction, and professional communication readiness. Findings highlight significant gender variations in communicative self-efficacy and engagement patterns. Female graduates exhibited greater communication anxiety and lower confidence in formal settings, despite similar technical abilities to their male counterparts. The study attributes these disparities to socio- cultural expectations and classroom practices that shape communication behavior and psychological preparedness. These findings underscore the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive communication training and pedagogical support to enhance confidence and employability. Integrating linguistic empowerment with institutional initiatives can promote equitable educational outcomes and psychological well-being among engineering graduates.