Employability and job quality among non-traditional graduates in Chile

Abstract

Employability and job quality among non-traditional graduates are critical in higher education, particularly with the evolving labour market. This study examines the alignment between academic training and job requirements, and the impact of career mobility on job quality for graduates of Universidad San Sebastián’s Advance Programs. Findings show that non-traditional graduates, especially those whose jobs align with their studies, experience salary increases and career advancements. The growing demand for flexible modalities, such as online and blended programs, meets adult learners’ needs and fosters professional and personal growth. These programs support the holistic development of adult students. This study also analyzes adult learning theories to explore how non-traditional students engage with their education, emphasising the need for policies that ensure access to flexible programs. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the study analyzes secondary data from the ESUSS ADVANCE survey (2019–2020 cohorts), with a sample of 564 employed graduates. Despite post-COVID-19 shifts, the data remains valuable for assessing long-term trends. A new employability survey will be conducted in 2025 to extend the analysis. A graphical abstract summarising the findings is available in the supplementary files.