Graduate employment in the Greek labour market

There is a widespread assumption across Europe that investment in education is of vital importance. According to many, it can enhance economic performance at an individual, organizational and societal level as well as achieve social cohesion. This study examines the dynamics of graduate employment through a case study ol Greece. Very little is known about career decision-making or progression for these graduates, or about the key factors which impact on their transitions and employability. The analysis investigates the career trajectories of Greek graduates from the disciplines of nursing and public administration & political science. Its empirical base draws from a graduate questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews with graduates, course directors, HE careers advisers, and recruitment consultants. By focusing on the career trajectories of graduates in one specific country (Greece), we develop a multi-level analysis of the dynamics of graduate employment. The analysis traces the historical evolution of the structure of higher education in Greece and assesses the subtle interactions between higher education structure and policies and labour market trends. The study reveals the way in which socio-economic factors impact upon students’ degree choices and their career activities after graduation. These factors help identify how far students have clear career trajectories in mind when they decide upon where and what to study and their career expectations. This study challenges the assumptions, so dominant in European educational policy discourse, about the supposed merits of expanding higher education.