Early Employment Outcomes of College Graduates of Diverse Economic Status

Abstract

A college degree used to open doors for job, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged graduates. However, college graduates are experiencing increasing difficulties in the labor market and graduate employment has emerged as a hotly debated issue. This study employed a nationally representative sample from 140 colleges around Taiwan to compare early employment outcomes (job opportunity, salary, and job satisfaction) of graduates of diverse economic status and to examine related factors. The results revealed that graduate salary and job satisfaction corresponded to their economic status. Being female or technical institute graduate enhanced job opportunities, but hindered salaries for all graduates. Collegiate experiences enhanced job opportunities particularly for graduates of low economic status, and degree-level expertise enhanced salary and job satisfaction for all graduates. Based on the results, this study proposes institutional interventions specifically tailored for graduates of different economic status.