Preparados para trabalhar? Um estudo com diplomados do ensino superior e empregadores

The combination of both the qualitative and quantitative results of this study, one can say that, generically, the preparation of graduates for the labour market is a positive one, according to both the employers’ and graduates’ perspective. However, there is ample room for improving the preparation of graduates, which may include, namely: a) the intensification of the use made by HEI of pedagogical practices that may foster the transversal and professional skills identified in this study; b) the increment of student’s involvement in extra-curricular activities; c) a better articulation between the academic and the professional “worlds”, which should foster opportunities that “take the academic world” to “professional” environments (for example, by means of curricular internships in companies) and which may encourage the reverse movement – i.e. from the “professional” world to that of “academics” - (for example, by means of integrating professionals in curricular restructuring processes). Finally, a reference to the important role that the macroeconomic and the political contexts play in the creation of job opportunities that assimilate higher education graduates. With no intention of underestimate the need for lifelong learning neither the potential for improvement in the development of transversal and professional skills, in general terms this study has shown that graduates are “prepared to work” and that employers acknowledge it.