For the first time, a major international comparative study was undertaken providing detailed information on the employment and work situation of graduates from higher education institutions in a large number of countries. With the help of a questionnaire survey more than 40,000 graduates from 12 countries reported about their study experiences, the transition from Higher Education to employment and their early career up to four years after graduation. The interviewees from Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Japan are a unique source of information on Higher Education and graduate employment in Europe.

The book indicates a noteworthy variety among economically advanced countries in the competences fostered by Higher Education and the emphasis placed either on laying a broad basis of knowledge or direct preparation for professional tasks. While universities in some countries are strongly involved in ensuring a rapid transition from study to employment, in other countries a long period after graduation is widespread for the search of a suitable career. Graduates from some countries appreciate their study experiences though they criticize a weak preparation for their subsequent assignments, while others less satisfied with higher education in their retrospective view note a satisfying preparation for the world of work. Study often turns out useful to lead to challenging tasks even though remuneration and status remain below expectations.

'The results of this project are extensive, interesting and important'

Professor John Brennan, Centre for Higher Education Research and Information, London, U.K.

Zusammenfassung
From autumn 1998 to spring 2000, about 3,000 graduates each from nine countries in the European Union (Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom), one EFTA country (Norway), one of the Central and Eastern European countries in transition (the Czech Republic) and one econo- cally advanced country outside Europe (Japan) provided information through a wr- ten questionnaire on the relationship between higher education and employment three to four years after graduation. In total, over 40,000 graduates from higher education institutions answered questions on their socio-biographical background, study paths, transition from higher education to employment, early career, links between study and employment, job satisfaction and their retrospective view on higher education. The study provided a unique opportunity to examine how far the relationships - tween higher education and the world of work are similar or different in the Western European countries. This became clearer through the inclusion of one country of the Central and Eastern European countries and one country outside Europe. The study also helped to understand the common elements and differences between various fields of study and occupational areas. It made it possible to analyse current salient issues of higher education, e. g. equality, the role of educational levels, the demand for specialized or general competences, the growing role of international mobility and lifelong education, the regional diversity in higher education.

Inhalt
DEVELOPMENTS, PRIOR RESEARCH AND THE CONCEPTS OF THIS STUDY.- METHODS USED.- THE EDUCATIONAL PATHS AND ATTAINMENTS.- COURSE OF STUDY.- JOB SEARCH, TRANSITION TO EMPLOYMENT AND EARLY CAREER.- EARLY CAREER.- EMPLOYMENT SEVERAL YEARS AFTER GRADUATION.- COMPETENCES AND WORK ASSIGNMENTS.- MATCH BETWEEN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT.- ORIENTATION AND JOB SATISFACTION.- CAREER RELEVANT ASPECTS.- MAJOR FINDINGS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS.