A bimonthly publication of AQU Catalunya

55

July 2011

The fourth AQU survey of graduate labour market outcomes has been carried out with the backing and cooperation of the boards of trustees of the Catalan public universities with the private universities.

The results provide representative information for all degree programmes offered at Catalan universities. This is the most complete and rigorous survey on graduate labour market outcomes undertaken so far in Catalonia. From the results of the survey, it follows that possession of a university degree:

• Enhances employability: 9 out of 10 graduates were in employment three years after completing their studies.
• Reduces the impact of the crisis: 8% of graduates were unemployed, compared to the overall unemployment figure for the working population between 25 and 54, which was 15% (Working Population Survey, 1st quarter 2011).
• Provides faster access to jobs that are better qualified, higher paying and more secure.

It can therefore be concluded that, contrary to the idea that the universities are unemployment factories, practically all graduates acquire better-qualified jobs.

Summary of the study titled University and employment in Catalonia, 2011