Graduate Satisfaction with University and Perceived Employment Preparation

The present study addresses graduate satisfaction with the university, perceptions of employment preparation at the local level (and beyond), and the relationship between the two. Results suggest that there exist divergent levels of satisfaction with various aspects of the university and that perceptions of employment preparation differ on the basis of whether employment is at the local, national, or international level. Importantly, graduates' satisfaction with academic resources, student support services, and the institution's development of competencies significantly predicted perceived employment preparation. Females and graduates of vocationally oriented (rather than generalist) faculties also reported greater employment preparation. Discussion focuses on aspects of the university that are influential in assisting graduates' transition from the university to the workplace.