Career monitoring survey: Laurea graduates are satisfied with their careers and degrees

A national career monitoring survey organised by universities of applied sciences for alumni with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree was carried out at the end of 2021. The survey was sent to alumni who had graduated from universities of applied sciences five years earlier. Of the students who had graduated from Laurea, 711 responded to the survey, and 99 of them had completed a Master’s degree. The alumni of Laurea are satisfied with their degree (81%) and their career thus far (84%).

“The education provided a good foundation and tools for the world of work. The degree has been a clear advantage as I have made progress in my career.’ (Bachelor of Business Administration graduated from Laurea)

“The degree has helped me advance in my career and it has provided me with more of the kind of competence I have needed at work.” (Master of Business Administration graduated from Laurea)

Katri Ojasalo, Vice President of Education, welcomes the positive feedback received from graduates.

- The continuous development of teaching contents and methods is reflected, for example, in the fact that an increasing number of alumni with either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree feel that they are able to make good use in their current work of what they have learned during their studies.”

The survey indicates that the employment situation of those who have completed a UAS degree five years earlier at Laurea is very good; only 1% of the respondents are unemployed. Seventy-four per cent of the respondents are in full-time employment five years after graduation and ten per cent are in fixed-term full-time work. Two per cent of the respondents work as entrepreneurs.

Eighty per cent of the respondents say that they are currently working in a field that matches their degree.

Career plans include continuous learning

Responses to the survey indicate that continuous development of one’s own competence is seen as relevant for success in the world of work. After completing their degree, 37% of the respondents have participated in different shorter training programmes or study modules, and 26% of the respondents have applied for a Master’s degree programme.

The open question examined the alumni’s need for further training in more detail. Alumni with a Bachelor’s degree reported that they were seeking advanced training specifically in their own field. On the other hand, responses given by alumni with a Master’s degree indicate that they seek additional training particularly for developing their managerial or supervisory skills.

According to alumni who graduated from Laurea in 2016, the most important work-related skills of today include self-initiative and self-direction, the ability to learn and absorb new information, and the ability to tolerate stress and adapt to new situations.

A national career monitoring network coordinates the implementation of the survey

The national career monitoring survey of universities of applied sciences is sent each year to alumni who have graduated five years earlier. The survey was carried out for the fourth time in 2021. A total of 9677 people graduated in 2016 responded to the career monitoring survey across Finland.

The survey produces information on alumni of universities of applied sciences and their careers. Higher education institutions use career monitoring data in the planning and development of education.

A national career monitoring network consisting of universities of applied sciences has been established in order to implement the career monitoring survey of universities of applied sciences and to disseminate career monitoring information.