Title: Tertiary education and labour market in Slovenia - a case of ISSBS master students' study and employment satisfaction

Authors: Vesna Skrbinjek; Dušan Lesjak

Addresses: International School for Social and Business Studies, Mariborska cesta 7, 3000 Celje, Slovenia ' Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva ulica 5, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; International School for Social and Business Studies, Mariborska cesta 7, 3000 Celje, Slovenia

Abstract: The paper explores issues related to tertiary education (TE) graduates' unemployment and labour market conditions in Slovenia. The contribution of this research is an empirical analysis and a case study, which uncovers the attributes and weaknesses of TE labour market and their divergence and failure, supported by the analysis of master students' survey. Students lack opportunities to gain new knowledge and opportunities for personal and professional development when they finally enter the labour market. Entry into the labour market is particularly difficult for female TE graduates and graduates with social sciences, business and law degree. This research contributes to greater integration and to the achievement of strategic objectives of both TE and employment policies. Thus, it can help define the appropriate TE policies, objectives and particularly measures and mechanisms, which could encourage TE institutions management to decrease graduate unemployment and contribute to greater TE success. We realise and stress that policymakers need to do more to synchronise TE and employment policies to stifle the employability of graduates.

Keywords: tertiary education; learning; study; graduates; labour market; satisfaction; unemployment; International School of the Social and Business Studies; ISSBS; Slovenia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2020.103891

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2020 Vol.27 No.1, pp.79 - 92

Received: 04 Sep 2018
Accepted: 06 Dec 2018
Published online: 02 Dec 2019 *

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