In the National Alumni Survey, alumni answer questions about their education and initial position in the job market around one year after graduation. This year, 18% of recently graduated master’s students of VU Amsterdam completed the survey. Nationally, this percentage was 16.5%.
Match between job and education
On average, alumni of VU Amsterdam find their first paid job within 2.7 months. The time it takes to find a job varies by faculty. More than half of the respondents (59%) indicate that their current job matches both the level and content of their completed education. They are satisfied to very satisfied with their master's programme, rating it 4.0 on a scale of 5.
The content, acquired general and societal skills, and specific subject knowledge receive a good rating. However, there is some division among respondents regarding the skills acquired for the job market and the guidance on career possibilities. About one-third are (very) satisfied, one-third are dissatisfied, and one-third fall somewhere in between.
Solid foundation
When asked, 'Would you choose the same programme again in hindsight?' about 76% of respondents answered affirmatively. Reasons cited include the pleasant atmosphere of the university, the quality of staff/lecturers, and the match between personal qualities and the programme.
Additionally, alumni of VU Amsterdam are positive about the extent to which their master's programme provides a solid foundation for further developing knowledge and skills and for entering the job market. 58% of employed alumni indicate that the programme has provided this foundation to a (very) strong degree.
The results of the NAE help VU improve its education for future students and inform prospective students about their career prospects.