Higher Education and Graduate Employment in Europe: Results from Graduates Surveys from Twelve Countries

by Harald Schomburg, Ulrich Teichler

Overview

This book explores a noteworthy variety among economically advanced countries in the competences fostered by higher education, and the emphasis placed either on laying a broad basis of knowledge or direct preparation for professional tasks. In some countries, universities are closely involved in ensuring a rapid transition from student to employee; in others, students typically face a long period after graduation for the search of a suitable career.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789048172979
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	11/29/2010
Series:	Higher Education Dynamics , #15
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2006
Pages:	172
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.01(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction. 1. Developments, Prior Research and the Concepts of this Study. 1.1. Debates and Research. 1.2 The Concept of the Project. 1.3. The Contents of this Volume. 2. Methods Used. 2.1. Overview. 2.2. The Research Instrument. 2.3. The Target Group of the Study. 2.4. The Survey Process. 2.5. Participation in the Graduate Survey. 2.6. The Standard Questionnaire and National Variations. 2.7. Data Analysis. 2.8. The Interview Studies. 2.9 Overall Project Coordination and Cooperation. 2.10. Survey Eight Years After Graduation. 3. The Educational Paths and Attainments. 3.1. Introduction. 3.2. Gender. 3.3. Educational Attainment of the Parents. 3.4. Foreigners. 3.5. Years of Schooling. 3.6. Kind of Secondary Education. 3.7. Activities before First Enrolment. 3.8. Age at the Time of Enrolment in Higher Education. 4. Course of Study. 4.1. Type of Degree. 4.2. Field of Study. 4.3. Duration of Study. 4.4. Age at the Time of Graduation. 4.5. Graduation Quota. 4.6. Study Conditions and Provision. 4.7. Rating of Study Conditions and Study Provision. 4.8. Study Activities. 4.9. Activities besides Study. 4.10. Relationship between Work Experience and Content of Study. 4.11. Foreign Language Proficiency and Computer Knowledge. 4.12. Study Abroad. 4.13. Summary. 5. Job Search, Transition to Employment and Early Career. 5.1. Job Search. 5.2. Timing of Job Search. 5.3. Length of Job Search. 5.4. Number of Contacts with Employers. 5.5 Methods of Job Search. 5.6. Time between Graduation and First Employment. 5.7 Conclusion. 6. Early Career. 6.1 Activities in the First 3,5 Years after Graduation. 6.2 Predominant Activities since Graduation. 6.3. Job Mobility. 6.4. Transition to a Permanent Job. 6.5. Impact of First Job on Subsequent Employment. 7. Employment Several Years after Graduation. 7.1. Major Activity. 7.2. Unemployment. 7.3. Working Time. 7.4. Temporary Contracts. 7.5. Economic Sector of Employment. 7.6. Public or Private Sector. 7.7. Self-Employment. 7.8. Job Title. 7.9. Income. 8. Competences and Work Assignments. 8.1. Recruitment Criteria. 8.2. Competences at Time of Graduation. 8.3. Work Requirements. 8.4. Utility of Study. 8.5. International Competences. 9. Match between Education and Employment. 9.1. The Relevance of the Field Study. 9.2. Use of Knowledge and Skills. 9.3. Appropriateness of Level of Education. 9.4. Reasons for Inappropriate Position. 9.5. Fulfilled Expectations. 9.6. The Proportion of Graduates Facing Problems. 10. Orientations and Job Satisfaction. 10.1. Life Goals. 10.2. Work Orientation. 10.3. Professional Situation. 10.4. Job Satisfaction. 11. Other Themes. 11.1. Initial and Continuing Professional Education. 11.2. International Mobility. 11.3. The Family Situation. 11.4. Regional Disparities. 12. Major Findings and Policy Implications. 12.1 Aims and Methods of the Study. 12.2. Success in Transition, Employment and Work. 12.3. Studies as Preparation for Subsequent Employment and Work. 12.4. European and International Diversity and Disparity. 12.5. Strength and Limits of the Study and Prospects. Literature. Annex: Master Questionnaire.

Editorial Reviews

"The results of this project are extensive, interesting and important" (Professor John Brennan, Centre for Higher Education Research and Information, London, UK)

From the Publisher