Entering the job market after graduation: What the latest figures mean.
The Swiss Federal Statistical Office recently reported that university graduates are more likely to be unemployed one year after graduation than they were in 2023. Thomas Grob, Vice President for Education, explains what these findings mean for teaching and learning at universities.
UNI NOVA: According to new statistics, unemployment among university graduates has risen one year after graduation. What does this tell us about the transition from university to the job market?
Thomas Grob: For now, these figures are just snapshots and don't tell us very much. They mainly concern specific fields that are particularly affected by the AI boom. It's impossible to reliably predict how AI will affect different professions in the medium term. Of course, our departments will monitor job market developments, and we will continuously review and update the learning objectives of our degree programs.
Many graduates cite a lack of work experience as an obstacle. Should universities do more to prepare students for the job market? If so, how?
Unlike universities of applied sciences, most of our departments don't train students for specific professions. The job market is far too broad and diverse for us to prepare every student for a particular career. Instead, our goal is to provide a solid academic foundation that enables graduates to work independently and based on sound knowledge and methods, while remaining critical, collaborative, and adaptable within and beyond their field of study. The ability to apply what you've learned to different tasks is more important than specific skills, which can always be acquired when needed. The job search after graduation varies considerably by field, but practical experience certainly helps.
What advice would you give students who worry that their degree might not lead to good career opportunities?
Many of our alumni now work in roles they barely knew existed when they started university. Being open to different possibilities is essential. During their studies, students should explore career options, pursue what genuinely interests them, develop their own profile, and gain practical experience whenever possible. Understanding one’s own strengths and weaknesses and being able to explain to potential employers what you’re particularly good at also matters.
Further information
More articles in this issue of UNI NOVA (November 2026).