Future Geography graduates – How much their degree matters? Student expectations at Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia

Abstract

Higher education has been perceived as a value, necessary for the process of societal development, as well as the development of individuals in post-socialist Europe. In this context, the paper aims to focus on Geography students and graduates to analyse their expectations for their futures in the discipline. Geography students are discussed here at Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia, but implications can be applied broadly. In particular, gender-based differences were revealed in Geography students' ambitions related to their future careers. Not surprisingly, attitudes of students and Geography teaching staff differ substantially in some aspects, including labour-market orientation of Geography curriculum. Lack of practical and business-related skills in existing curriculum might be a limitation of the graduates' labour prospects.