Paulina Hojda, Sylwia Roszkowska and Mariusz Trojak
The study aims to examine the factors that determine the success of graduates in the labour market. This success is measured in several ways, namely, above-average wages in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine the factors that determine the success of graduates in the labour market. This success is measured in several ways, namely, above-average wages in the economy, employment in accordance with the field of study and job satisfaction. The research explores the employment outcomes of graduates from Jagiellonian University, which is the oldest and one of the best in Poland. Not only does the analysis focus on degree-related predictors such as discipline or faculty, but it is also extended to include activities undertaken during studies and family background.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on data collected in the graduates' career survey, which is conducted six months after graduation. For this article, a database of over 6,000 graduates from four subsequent editions of the survey was compiled. In order to identify the predictors of graduates' success, a logistic regression model was applied.
Findings
The study reveals that graduates' success in the labour market is influenced not only by their discipline, but also by the activities undertaken during their studies, the type of studies and demographic features. Studies in natural sciences give chance for higher earnings, job matching and satisfaction. The humanities and social sciences increase only graduates’ group satisfaction. The impact of activities during studies is diversified – those matched to studies increase the job matching and those unmatched lower the earnings, job matching and satisfaction. Parents' level of education resulted in salary increase. The results also confirm the premises of behavioural theory.
Research limitations/implications
Firstly, the main research limitation is that data of one particular university's graduates are used, so the results should be interpreted in the context of Poland only. Secondly, the authors propose a precise concept of success; however, it could be refined in any future study. This limitation could be mitigated by the flexibility of the model, which guarantees that other predictors of success could be involved. Furthermore, the article was based on data collected before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the labour market was completely different, so it also could be revised now.
Practical implications
The results of the analysis can be used when preparing the University’s educational offer. Since various predictors are implemented in the model, the information could be useful not only for future students, but also for current students, so they can make a more data-driven decision about their future careers. Additionally, University careers’ advisors are provided with knowledge on the determinants of graduates' success. Taking a broader view, the research findings are also informative for labour market institutions.
Originality/value
The paper offers an advanced analysis in a field that is under-researched in many transition countries, including Poland, i.e. graduates' entry into the workplace. Although the study provides insight into the factors that determine the labour market success of one particular university's graduates, this modelling can be applied to the empirical data of another higher education institution’s (HEI's) graduates.
Details
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Miron Wolnicki, Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski and Ryszard Piasecki
To explain the sources of jobless growth in Poland, the country undergoing economic system transition and integration with the European Union (EU).
Abstract
Purpose
To explain the sources of jobless growth in Poland, the country undergoing economic system transition and integration with the European Union (EU).
Design/methodology/approach
The research used the Harrod‐Domar model together with an interpretation proposed by Barro and Sala‐i‐Martin to determine the growth threshold level of jobless growth in Poland. The technical, econometric calculation does not dominate the paper, which is destined for both academic and non‐academic readers studying the phenomenon of jobless growth.
Findings
The paper provides a review of literature and theories of jobless growth. The calculations show that Poland has a high threshold of jobless growth. The Polish GDP needs to grow at least 4 per cent to add new jobs.
Research limitations/implications
To evaluate the overall long run impact of labor productivity on the job market one needs to include the growth of non‐manufacturing jobs in the service sectors which accommodate the needs of more affluent worker/consumers. This long‐term analysis is outside the scope of the paper.
Practical implications
The authors calculated an important variable for the Polish economy, i.e. the threshold growth rate of jobless growth, which indicates a minimum rate of growth, needed to create a net demand for labor. This research is likely to be quoted by the economists studying sources of unemployment in Poland and as well as in any high growth economies.
Originality/value
It is the only research known to the authors attempting to explain high level of unemployment in transition economies using recognized economic theories. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the phenomenon of jobless growth in market economies in general.