College Graduates Research Articles

Association between preterm birth and economic and educational outcomes in adulthood: A population-based matched cohort study.

Preterm birth (PTB) affects ~10% of births worldwide; however, most literature focused on short-term clinical outcomes, with much less focus on long-term socioeconomic outcomes after PTB. We examined associations between PTB and individuals' income, employment, and educational outcomes during early adulthood. We conducted a population-level matched cohort study including all live births in Canada between 1990 and 1996, followed until 2018. Outcomes included Employment income per year in 2018 CAD and employment between ages 18 and 28 years, postsecondary education enrollment (18-22 years), and maximum educational attainment at age 22-27 years. Mean differences and risk ratios (RR) and differences (RD) were estimated using generalized estimating equation regression models for economic outcomes and multinomial logistic regression models for educational outcomes. Of 2.4 million births, 7% were born preterm (0.3%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 5.4% born extremely preterm (24-27 weeks), very preterm (28-31 weeks), moderately preterm (32-33 weeks), and late preterm (34-36 weeks) respectively). After matching on baseline characteristics (e.g., sex, province of birth, and parental demographics) and adjusting for age and period effects, preterm-born individuals, on average, had $958 CAD less employment income per year (95% CI: $854-$1062), 6% lower income per year, than term-born individuals, and were 2.13% less likely to be employed (1.98-2.29%). PTB was also negatively associated with university enrollment (RR 0.93 (0.91-0.94) and graduation with a university degree (RR 0.95 (0.94-0.97)). Mean income differences for those born 24-27 weeks were -$5,463 CAD per year (17% lower), and adjusted RR were 0.55 for university enrollment and graduation. In this population-based study, preterm birth was associated with lower economic and educational achievements at least until the late twenties. The associations were stronger with decreasing GA at birth. Policymakers, clinicians, and parents should be aware that the socioeconomic impact of PTB is not limited to the early neonatal period but extends into adulthood.

A Representative Profile of MSW Graduates in the United States.

As the United States faces burgeoning behavioral health needs and a growing recognition of the inextricable link between social conditions and health outcomes and quality-of-life indicators, a current representative profile of the MSW workforce with respect to sociodemographic and employment characteristics can provide a reference point for ongoing assessments of that workforce. The profile also can establish a baseline by which efforts to bolster the diversity and strength of the MSW workforce can be grounded. The core aim of the current study was to generate a nationally representative, descriptive profile of MSW graduates in the United States using a sample of 1,028 MSW graduates (representing a subpopulation of 691,061 individuals) from the 2021 National Survey of College Graduates. Weighted univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to generate a descriptive profile of MSW graduates with respect to sociodemographic, education, and employment characteristics. Study findings can help employers, health services researchers, policymakers, and practitioners understand the context of the MSW workforce as it relates to diversity, labor workforce projection data, and student loan and salary considerations. This information can guide future policy and training goals to support the future vitality of the social work profession.

Gender occupational segregation: a new approach to quantifying the effect of educational segregation

ABSTRACT This article analyses the impact of educational segregation on the gender gap in the probability of working in a gendered or gender-balanced occupation, which is our measure of occupational segregation. Specifically, our methodology allows quantifying two different effects of education on this gap: one due to girls and boys choosing different educational options (presorting), and the other due to men and women with the same education entering the same or different occupations (postsorting). Using a sample of university graduates from Spain, a country with a highly segregated labour market, we conclude that the gender composition of education and occupation are strongly related. However, the greater presence of women in female-dominated jobs is not only due to them choosing female-dominated degrees, but also due to many women from gender-balanced, and even some from male-dominated programmes, working in female-dominated occupations. Thus, reducing educational segregation does not seem to be enough to fight against occupational segregation. It is also necessary to guarantee that men and women enjoy the same opportunities in the labour market, removing discrimination practices, and to ensure that both, workers and employers, do not make decisions based on gender role expectations or stereotypes.

INPUTS AND OUTPUTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION: A READING OF THE ALGERIAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE LIGHT OF THE KNOWLEDGE INDEX

Objective: The purpose of this research is to assess and understand the condition and difficulties facing the education system, in Algeria in light of the knowledge economy, with particular focus on the alignment between university outputs and labor market demands. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the concept of the knowledge based economy model which underscores the pressing requirement for institutions to adjust to progress and changing economic landscapes. It examines the relationship between higher education outcomes and economic development in developing nations. Method: The study employs an analytical approach to evaluate Algeria's higher education system, examining public spending patterns, graduate employment rates, and the alignment between academic programs and market needs. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that with rises, in funding, for public education and enhancements educational inputs, Algeria faces persistent challenges: (1) high unemployment rates among university graduates, (2) misalignment between academic training and industry requirements, and (3) limited focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in university curricula. Research Implications: The study recommends strategic reforms including: (1) reorienting universities toward entrepreneurship education, (2) strengthening research and innovation capabilities, and (3) developing learning environments that foster creativity and practical skills. These changes aim to shift from a purely employment-focused model to one that emphasizes job creation. Originality/Value: In this study a thorough examination of the education system, in Algeria is presented within the framework of the knowledge economy., offering evidence-based recommendations for transforming universities from institutions that prepare job seekers to centers that create job creators, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development.

KEY FEATURES OF PROFESSIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE OF ENGINEERS

The authors analyze the approaches towards interpreting the notions of “foreign language competence”, “foreign language communicative competence”, and “professional foreign language communication”. The professional foreign language competence of the specialist is regarded as a result of the integration of professional and foreign language communicative competence. The interrelation between the university graduate's general communicative competence and professional foreign language competence is scrutinized. The components of foreign language communicative competence of engineering students are analyzed. The structure of this competence is based on the analysis of requirements set for the graduates by the job market. Cognitive and operational-technological competences comprising the professional section of the specialized part of the social-professional foreign language competence of the trainee engineer are relevant to the special competences of the linguistic section staying in a dynamic interaction with them. The offered model was successfully tried out during the interconnected learning of engineering subjects and a foreign language at Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University.

Validating the 2023 Association of American Medical Colleges Graduate Medical Education Leadership Competencies.

Validating the 2023 Association of American Medical Colleges Graduate Medical Education Leadership Competencies.

Current Situation Analysis and Countermeasure Research on “Slow Employment” of University Students

In the new era, with the popularization of higher education, the number of college graduates is increasing, and the severe employment situation has caused the predicament of “slow employment” among college students. In view of the existence of the social problem of “slow employment,” this paper discusses the causes of “slow employment” through the investigation of the current situation of “slow employment” of college students and puts forward some countermeasures. It is hoped that it can provide guidance and assistance to the employment of university graduates.

Assessing the Determinants of Generative AI Integration: A Study on Google's Gemini Adoption Among Thai University Graduate Students

The advent of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) in educational tools like Google's Gemini represents a significant evolution. These technologies aim to revolutionize learning by creating human-like content in various formats, enhancing personalized and engaging educational experiences. This research investigates the factors influencing Thai graduate students' adoption of Google's Gemini, employing a quantitative approach with data from 826 respondents via closed-ended questionnaires through convenience sampling. The analysis included demographic, socio-economic, and media platform preference variables. Using binary logistic regression, the study evaluated how these factors affect graduate students' intentions to use Google’s Gemini in Thailand. Key determinants identified include age, education level, occupational status, and preferences for social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The study provides insights into the factors influencing Thai graduate students' use of Google's Gemini, useful for stakeholders in digital literacy and technology adoption. It stresses the importance of tailoring digital environments to learners' diverse needs, influenced by demographics and social media, and offers strategies for enhancing digital literacy and engagement. The research also sets the stage for further academic inquiry into educational technology, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach to better understand technology's educational impact.

The Need for Partnership Between the University and Industry: Nigerian Perspective

Background: Partnership between the university and the industry is now seen as an inevitable vehicle for the modern world's knowledge-driven innovative and competitive socio-economic and technological milieu. Description: The traditional role and stereotyping of the university as only academic and the industry as profit-based is no longer sustainable in light of the emergence of a worldwide knowledge-based economy driven by world-leading research universities in symbiosis with an industrial sector that thrives on innovative knowledge exchange. Lessons learned: The world's developed economies have increasingly sustained university-industry collaborations for socio-economic growth, but the same cannot be said of West African countries, especially Nigeria. Myriads of developmental challenges currently facing Nigeria, not least of which is unemployment, especially the issue of unemployable university graduates and the depletion of the manufacturing/industrial sector. Conclusion: This paper aims to identify the developmental issues that call for the urgent need for university-industry partnership, as a socio-economic and technological development vehicle.

University-based academic programs in addiction studies in the regions of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand: An overview.

Current trends in the addiction field reflect a significant emphasis on the workforce development and education. There are already some data about university-based addiction studies programs, but not much from Australasia. The aim is to provide an overview and describe the academic programs for addiction professionals in Australia and Aotearoa NZ. The research was conducted in 2017 and updated in 2023. Firstly, university websites were searched using pre-defined keywords, followed by a content analysis of the identified programs. The data were analysed and interpreted by using descriptive statistics. We found 21 universities in Australia (13) and Aotearoa NZ (8) where 46 single programs are provided. There are three bachelor programs, nine masters, and the majority of degrees include (post)graduate certificates and diplomas. No doctorate programs are identified. The taught courses provide comprehensive coverage of the addiction field topics. Twelve programs state clearly that there is clinical practice/internship included. Application to most programs requires completion of a relevant degree and in some cases possible clinical experience. In comparison to educational options in other regions, we observe a trend towards preparing university graduates for the workforce, thereby expanding the range of programs at lower levels. Most programs possibly represent clinically oriented education primarily specialising in addictions, and graduate programs in addictions for professionals with other disciplinary bases. Great emphasis is given to the quality standards of education, and also to relationship between education and labour market. Findings help opening opportunities to collaborate globally.

로버스카우트의 초·중등학교 연계 봉사활동 사례 연구: 로버스카우트 제도의 교육봉사활동으로서의 가능성 탐색

Objectives This study aims to explore the potential of the Rover Scout program as an educational volunteer activity by analyzing the experiences of university students who are Rover Scouts affiliated with the Korea Scout Association. These students participated in volunteer activities, guiding students during school field trips in ele-mentary and secondary schools. Methods To achieve this, a qualitative case study was conducted on the volunteer activities of university students who are Rover Scouts. These activities were carried out in collaboration with elementary and secondary schools under the jurisdiction of a local educational office (both entities are anonymized as A Association and A Educational Office, respectively). In-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted with five university stu-dents and graduates who voluntarily continued to perform over 100 hours of volunteer work for more than a year, even after fulfilling their graduation requirements. Results The participants gained diverse experiences in guiding students during activities outside the classroom, which were often in unstable environments. Due to the systematic volunteer management system centered around A Association, the participants were able to sustain their volunteer activities for an extended period, which enhanced their understanding of students and nurtured their aspirations to become teachers. However, they also faced challenges, such as a lack of support from their universities and the absence of clear boundaries regarding the role of Rover Scouts in volunteer work. Conclusions The Rover Scout activities, as analyzed in this study, were consistent with the purposes and content of educational volunteer activities. Moreover, these activities contributed to developing essential skills and expe-riences, such as knowledge related to organizing field trips and managing student behavior, which are crucial for teachers but difficult to acquire through traditional teacher training programs. Based on these findings, the study suggests implications for improving university volunteer programs and the Rover Scout system to enhance the quality of volunteer activities.

Food tourism as a driver of economic and cultural development in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

This study explores culinary tourism in Nueva Ecija, focusing on visitor perspectives and identifying unique culinary gems that make the province an attractive destination for foodies. It used quantitative research design to understand tourists' preferences, motivations, and challenges in food tourism in Nueva Ecija. It aims to promote culinary delicacies and enrich the province's culinary offerings. The study reveals that 54% of respondents aged 18-22 are employed with an average monthly income of 5,000-10,000 pesos. Most are college graduates and know local food in Nueva Ecija through social media. Most have visited Gabaldon, Cabanatuan City, Laur, Muñoz, and Bongabon, using public vehicles and staying for at least one day. Puno's Ice Cream & Sherbet is the top ice cream provider in Nueva Ecija, while Tokneneng/Kwek-kwek, a street food with hard-boiled quail eggs and flour, is the most popular. The study found that Nueva Ecija offers a wide variety of local food establishments, with delicious and tasty options, and a satisfied rating for cost, sanitation, and safety. The data indicates that demographic factors like age, sex, and income do not significantly influence the motivation to visit Nueva Ecija's tourist destination. The data indicates that demographic factors such as age, sex, and income do not significantly influence the gastronomy tourist market experience. The study surveyed local and foreign tourists, providing insights into the state of food tourism in Nueva Ecija. Most tourists were interested in food-related activities, recognizing its importance in travel experiences. Locals played a crucial role in assessing this potential.

Navigating uncertainty: The interplay of future job forecasting, learning agility, responsiveness, and adaptability

Background: According to the 2023 World Economic Forum report, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation on the job market was more significant than originally projected. Although 2018 research forecasted significant job losses balanced by job creation, current data indicates otherwise. Between 2023 and 2027, it is anticipated that 69 million new jobs will be created due to advancements in AI, however, this will be offset by the loss of 83 million jobs, leading to a net decrease of 14 million jobs worldwide. Roles related to AI, digitalization, and sustainability, such as AI specialists and renewable energy engineers are expected to grow, while those in clerical and administrative sectors are most at risk of decline. This shift underscores the need for reskilling and adapting to evolving fields, as nearly 44% of workers skills will face disruption by 2027. The demand for analytical thinking, technological literacy, and adaptability will grow as companies increasingly adopt frontier technologies. Objectives: (1) identify key variables influencing adaptability of college graduates in Indonesia, (2) quantify the strength of relationships between these variables to understand the combined effect on graduate adaptability. The research also aims to (3) develop theoretical and practical recommendations to strengthen ICIL policy and equip students with the relevant skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing job market. Methodology: The research focuses on predicting future employment trends, adaptability, and learning agility (LA), along with the implications for improving the Independent Campus Independent Learning (ICIL) policy. It focused on the significant unemployment rate among college graduates, along with the lack of research on the relationship between job change predictions, graduates’ adaptability, and the impact on graduates’ general well-being. The mixed-method strategy with quantitative analysis was used to conduct this research with data collected from 284 ICIL participants through online survey. The gathered data was evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Lisrel version 10. Results: The result showed that job trend projections significantly influence responsiveness, which demonstrated a robust association between employment trend predictions and LA. Responsiveness significantly influenced learning agility which indicated no significant direct association between job trend projections and graduate adaptability. Conclusion: The research emphasized the need to consider adaptability as a concept with multiple dimensions. It proposed incorporating these factors into strategies for education and human resources development in order to better equip graduates for the demands of a constantly changing work market. Unique contribution: This research focused on adaptability as a multifaceted concept that consist of the ability to forecast job trends, be sensitive, and possess LA. It offered a deeper understanding of the relationships between these variables as discussed in the human resources literature. Technology, corporate culture, and training played a critical role in connecting employment trend prediction with the ability to respond effectively. Key recommendation: Institutions should implement a comprehensive approach to the development of human resources, with emphasis on fostering critical thinking, analytical abilities, and the practical application of information. By employing these tactics, higher education institutions may effectively equip graduates with both academic proficiency and the ability to adapt and thrive in quickly changing organizational environments, leading to the production of robust and versatile workers.

Extent of Electronic Gadget Addiction and Reading Skills of Grade One Learners

This study aimed to examine how gadget addiction affects the reading skills of Grade One learners. The study population consisted of Grade One learners aged 6 to 8, with 42% being female and 58% male. An analysis of the parents' educational attainment showed that 2% of the mothers had master’s units, while 18% of the mothers and 8% of the fathers were college graduates. Additionally, 16% of the mothers and 24% of the fathers had some college education, and 58% of the mothers and 40% of the fathers were high school graduates. Regarding family size, 50% of the learners had 1-2 siblings, and 38% had 3-4 siblings, while 58% of the families had a combined monthly income of ₱10,000 or below. The study found that the learners exhibited a moderate level of gadget addiction. In terms of reading skills, 78% of the learners were classified as outstanding, 16% as very satisfactory, 25% as satisfactory, and only 4% as poor. A statistical analysis of the relationship between gadget addiction and reading skills revealed a negligible negative correlation, with a value of -0.066, indicating that increased gadget use had a minimal impact on reading proficiency. The results suggest that while gadget addiction exists, it does not significantly hinder the reading development of Grade One learners, but continued monitoring and interventions are recommended.

Employment Problems of Graduates of Chinese-foreign Cooperative Education Programs and Policy Suggestions

The purpose of this study is to analyze the causes of the employment status of graduates of Chinese-foreign cooperative universities and give countermeasure suggestions. With the acceleration of the internationalization of higher education, the development of Sino-foreign cooperative education is deepening in China, and it has also won the favor of many middle-class families because of its unique system of schooling that integrates the advantages of domestic and foreign bilateral education and enhances the employment competitiveness of graduates. However, in 2020, the international challenges of anti-globalization, the impact of major emergency health incidents and the slowdown of the domestic economic development and the structural adjustment of the industry have seriously disrupted the pace of employment of graduates of Chinese-foreign cooperative education and increased the difficulty of employment of graduates of Chinese-foreign cooperative education, which has aroused widespread concern and discussion. This study adopts the method of literature review to explore the specific impact of the education policy of Sino-foreign cooperative education on the career choice and employment pace of college students, which helps to deeply understand the role of the policy of Sino-foreign cooperative education in the career development of college students as well as the attitude of college students towards the phenomenon of slow employment and provides policy makers with suggestions on optimizing the policy of Sino-foreign cooperative education to promote the employment of college students, and at the same time provides important references to the higher education managers to cope with the problem of slow employment of graduates of Sino-foreign cooperative education.

Self-Perceived Employability and Psychological Well-Being Among Italian Students and Graduates: A Three-Wave Cross-Lagged Study

This study investigated the reciprocal relationship between self-perceived employability (SPE) and psychological well-being (PWB), a connection previously suggested by theory but not yet explored empirically in early career research. Drawing from the Conservation of Resources theory, we analysed the reciprocal effects between SPE and PWB. Using data collected from 376 Italian university students and graduates, we tested the hypotheses with the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to analyse the SPE-PWB reciprocal linkage at both the between-person and within-person levels. While we observed a reciprocal SPE-PWB association across three waves at the between-person level, we obtained mixed findings at the within-person level. This study is the first to test the reciprocal associations between SPE and PWB among labour market entrants adopting a within-person approach. The findings offer new empirical insights into SPE during early career stages, with implications for both future research and practical applications.

What Competences Do Maintenance Electricians Need?—A Mixed-Methods Study From Vocational College Graduates

What Competences Do Maintenance Electricians Need?—A Mixed-Methods Study From Vocational College Graduates

Assessing Quality of Referrals to a Community-Based Chronic Pain Clinic

ABSTRACT Introduction Because patients with chronic pain are complex, with significant medical and psychiatric comorbidities, referrals to specialty pain clinics are often necessary. The present study explores the quality of information submitted and the profile of referring physicians associated with rejected patient referrals by a community pain clinic. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a series of consecutive new patient referrals rejected by a noninterventional community pain clinic (November 2021–June 2022). Data were collected on the reasons for rejected referrals and physicians responsible for these referrals using the public database of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Results During the study period, 120 new referrals made by 99 physicians (88% primary care providers, or PCPs; male : female ratio 1:1.2; 53% Canadian university graduates) were rejected because of inadequate information (62%) or because they were inappropriate (38%). Only 46% of the rejected referrals were resubmitted within a median of 7 days (range 0–96 days) and accepted. Half of the non-resubmitted referrals could have been accepted if the referring provider had sent in the missing information. Conclusion A significant number of referrals to our pain clinic (primarily from PCPs) are rejected for mainly avoidable reasons. The process of rejected referrals and resubmissions requires 92 to 126 h of additional staff time/year. Without additional health care resources, our study highlights simple but effective improvements in the referral process that could facilitate patient care, avoid unnecessary delays, and decrease possible sources of patient complaints.

Pathways to Mobility: Using a Multidimensional Approach to Examine Postgraduation Outcomes for Promoting College Student Success

Research examining students’ socioeconomic outcomes after attaining a bachelor’s degree tends to use single measures such as income or occupation (Thomas & Zhang, 2005; Torche, 2015). Yet, socioeconomic status is more complex than single measures. To capture that complexity, this study draws data from the National Center for Education Statistics Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study (B&B:08/12) to examine a multidimensional measure of socioeconomic status one and four years after graduation with a bachelor’s degree. The findings suggest that college graduates are not guaranteed benefits or low levels of time unemployed. The differences found across groups and time points highlight the importance of considering both monetary and non-monetary aspects of socioeconomic status related to higher education attendance and student success. This study contributes to exploring multidimensional measures to advance the understanding of students’ postgraduation outcomes and the continued impact of higher education on students’ outcomes beyond completion.

Formation of the structure of choreographic competencies among university students: Specifics of the competency-based approach

Introduction. The article discusses the features of higher choreographic education at the present stage of development. The authors analyze the specifics of training of choreography students based on the documentary flow of educational publications in the electronic information and educational environment. The competencies in the field of training «Choreographic Art» are considered on the basis of the federal state educational standard of higher education in Russia. The relevance of transforming the competency-based model of university graduates is emphasized, taking into account current standards in the field of training personnel in the field of culture and the arts.Purpose setting. The purpose of the article is to reveal the essence of terminological interpretations of the conceptual apparatus in the field of the competency model of skills in the choreography by studying the documentary flow of educational publications.Methodology and methods of the study. Based on specially prepared, proprietary methodology for studying the documentary flow of educational publications and the application of the content method, we identified the essence and dynamics of the manifestation of the documentary flow of educational publications.Results. The article discusses the features of higher choreographic education at the present stage of development. The authors analyze the specifics of training choreography students based on the documentary flow of educational publications in the electronic information and educational environment. The competencies in the field of training «Choreographic Art» are considered on the basis of the federal state educational standard of higher education in the Russian Federation.Conclusion. A solution to the problem of low efficiency of using new knowledge in the concert-making component is proposed by studying the documentary flow of educational publications in the field of culture and the arts, supporting their competency-based development model.