Applied Sciences Degree Meets Job Market Demands – Alumni Satisfied with Career Progression

Recent results from a career follow-up survey show that graduates from universities of applied sciences report very positive experiences: 87% of alumni are satisfied with their degree and career development. The survey, conducted regularly, assesses graduates' satisfaction and experiences, focusing on how well education has prepared them for working life. According to the respondents, their education has met the demands of professional life and provided solid readiness for tasks in their respective fields. Only 2% of respondents were unemployed at the time of the survey. Despite economic challenges, universities of applied sciences are succeeding in meeting the objectives set for education.

"Education was the pathway to my dream profession, and I have advanced in my career in the direction I wanted," says a 2019 alumnus, summarizing the core message of the survey.

This year, the survey placed special emphasis on the skills needs identified by alumni, particularly through open-ended responses. These insights offer valuable foresight into evolving demands and changes in working life.

A higher education degree has significantly improved respondents’ career opportunities and equipped them with valuable practical skills, enabling them to advance professionally. Respondents particularly emphasized professional competence, communication and interaction skills, and international expertise. Additionally, emerging labor market requirements, such as the utilization of artificial intelligence and sustainability reporting, were highlighted.

The career follow-up survey is conducted annually and sent to all who have completed a university of applied sciences degree or higher university of applied sciences degree. In autumn 2024, a total of 11,600 graduates from 2019 responded, corresponding to a response rate of 42%. The survey gathers insights about employment, career paths, further education, and satisfaction with both careers and degrees. These results are valuable for the development of education and for identifying new skills needs in the labor market.

The career follow-up network of universities of applied sciences will organize a results seminar on the national career follow-up survey in collaboration with Arene on March 19, 2025, at 13:00 (more information available).

Novia’s results and news about graduates can be found here.

Further Information:

Ida Mielityinen, Executive Director, Arene ry, tel. +358 50 594 0731, ida.mielityinen@arene.fi 

For research matters: Tina Lauronen, Researcher, Research Foundation for Studies and Education Otus sr tina.lauronen@otus.fi 

For survey matters: Satu Helmi, Chair of the Career Follow-Up Network, Turku University of Applied Sciences, tel. +358 50 598 5563, satu.helmi@turkuamk.fi 

For more information regarding Novia’s results, please contact
Novia University of Applied Sciences, Alumni Coordinator Bella Alén, bella.alen@novia.fi 

Results and further information about the career follow-up survey: Education Administration Statistics Service Vipunen and töissä.fi service, as well as www.amk-uraseurannat.fi