"The survey shows that VID's education programs are well suited to the needs of the job market, and that our students are attractive candidates for employers," says Ellen Marie Sæthre-McGuirk, Vice-Rector for Education at VID.

The candidate survey is conducted every four years at VID. The survey assesses students' adaptation to the job market, their learning outcomes, and their perception of the connection between education and employment.

This year's survey includes bachelor's and master's students who graduated in the spring of 2023. The students were sent a questionnaire six months after completing their studies.

The responses showed that 91 percent of them had found a job.

Most get relevant jobs

The results not only showed that most students had found jobs, but also that 89 percent of them stated that the job they had obtained was relevant. 90 percent had found a job in the geographical location they desired.

The candidates were also asked how long it took from their last exam to receiving their first relevant job offer. 78 percent responded that they got a job before finishing their exams.

- It is gratifying to see that the majority of our students go straight into relevant jobs, says Sæthre-McGuirk.

Among the bachelor's candidates, the highest percentage with relevant jobs was in the fields of health care and nursing. All respondents from the bachelor's program in health care and nursing stated that they had relevant jobs.

84 percent of VID candidates work in the health and social sector, reflecting VID's focus on health and social science education.

- The need for competent labor in the health and social sector is significant and will only increase in the coming years, emphasizes Sæthre-McGuirk.

Using their expertise

The survey also examines how candidates perceive the connection between education and employment. Of those who are employed, 71 percent state that their job tasks require the expertise they gained through their education.

55 percent indicate that their job tasks also require the awareness and ability of the values for ethical reflection that they acquired through their education at VID.

The candidates were also asked to assess the extent to which their education has provided them with various knowledge and skills to master their current job on a scale from 1 to 5. The highest average score was given to "Ability to acquire new knowledge" and "Ability to think independently and critically," both receiving a score of 4.03. "Ability to manage and coordinate tasks" received the lowest score, at 3.52.

When students were asked what they wished they had more of in their studies to better cope with their current job, the answer was skill training. 56 percent wished they had more of this. 39 percent answered that they wanted more practical experience.

- Student feedback provides us with valuable insights that we will take with us as we continue to improve our study programs, emphasizes Sæthre-McGuirk.