The effect of graduates' competitiveness in the labour market: measuring the correlation between the type of employment and the degree of competitiveness

In this paper the authors propose an approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the graduates' professional capacity implementation based on the benefits arising during their employment. The authors consider the possibility of differentiating the competitive field of graduates based on the amount of advantages obtained in different types of employment. An original grouping of employment types is proposed. This is based on the criterion "degree of relevance to vocational training" and makes it possible to distinguish employment in the specialty area, specialized-returnable, non-specialized with work experience in the specialty area, non-specialized employment. The study is based on empirical data obtained from a longitudinal monitoring of the implementation of educational and career paths of students' professional development in "Labor Economics", "Human Resource Management", and "Management". The collected data is presented in two time sections: primary and actual employment. The competitive position of graduates in the labor market is characterized by many closely related parameters. It is assumed that correlations between them are established by means of the indirect influence of the immeasurable factors of competitiveness. Hierarchical factorial analysis is used to determine them. Conceptual interpretation of the results is also presented in the paper. The major factor at the highest level of the hierarchy is considered "degree of competitiveness". Its values can be obtained as a linear combination of values of the competitiveness factors. A quantitative estimation of a graduate's degree of competitiveness is used to determine the connection with the type of employment. Its importance is confirmed by analysis of variance. The nature and strength of the effect change over time. "Specialized" and "non-specialized employment with experience in the specialty area" types of employment have a greater impact at the beginning of professional development. Refusal to work in the specialty area leads to a significant reduction in performance during professional capacity realization. Graduates who begin working not in their specialty area and later decide to return to it appear to be less competitive. The stereotype that it is important to gain any work experience is not confirmed in the framework of this study. When entering the market, a graduate with "non-specialized" employment demonstrates a significantly lower degree of competitiveness. Thus, employment in the specialty area on average ensures more substantial returns of resources invested in the establishment and realization of professional potential. The analysis of the main factors for the competitiveness of graduates, employed in their specialty area, revealed institutional barriers preventing young professionals from entering the labor market with relevant specialization. From the perspective of the university, it complicates the management of graduates' initial employment.

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