Authors

• Aarresaari network of the Academic Career Services in Finland
• Tampere University. Research Stats Service TUPA

Keywords

appointment to job, career development, educational certificates, employment, employment opportunities, higher education institutions, job satisfaction, occupational life, post-graduates, tertiary education (second stage)

Abstract

The survey charted the careers and employment situations of Finnish doctoral graduates three years after they had obtained their degree in 2018. Themes of the survey included impact of a doctoral degree on employment, usefulness of doctoral education in terms of skills needed in occupational life, and job satisfaction.

The respondents were first asked what their occupational status was at the time of the survey. Questions covered whether having a doctoral degree had led to an increased salary and better standing in occupational life, and whether a doctoral degree had been a prerequisite for the respondents' current job. The respondents were also asked if they had been unemployed after finishing their degree. Further questions covered how important certain skills and know-how were in the respondents' current job and how well their doctoral studies had developed these skills (e.g. theoretical or practical knowledge of their field, problem solving, managerial skills, negotiation skills, project management, and scientific communication).

Opinions were charted on the significance of doctoral and other tertiary education, work experience, contacts and networks, and other skills in occupational life. The respondents were asked how they had financed their doctoral studies (e.g. by being employed by a university or other research institute or with a personal research grant). Finally, it was surveyed whether the respondents had completed their doctoral degree by studying full-time, part-time or during their leisure time while also otherwise employed.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, field of study, and age at the time of graduation (dichotomised 35 or under/36 and over).