Life after graduation as a "very uncomfortable world": an Australian case study
Few studies have addressed the experiences of a graduate's transition from university to the world of work. Understanding how graduates react and respond to this journey will provide universities with the ability to prepare and equip students for the road ahead. The purpose of this
particular Australian case study was to extend understanding of the experience of making the transition from university to work, and to identify questions for further study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed for clusters of common themes.
Four themes emerged from the case study: "an uncertain feeling", "inflated expectations", "the work experience paradox" and "a low time". It is hoped that understanding this graduate's experiences will assist higher education institutions, recruiting companies and students to better understand
and prepare for this significant life passage.
Keywords: Australia; Case studies; Graduates; Higher education; Phenomenology; Recruitment; Research
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 March 2003
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