Graduate Survey

Why we survey our graduates?

Sense and purpose of our graduate survey is to gather important information about the career path and professional position of our graduates during the first years after graduation. The results of this survey help us to assess, to what extent our study programmes prepare students for professional life. Your participation helps us to adjust our study programmes and conditions to students' needs. 

The anonimized data and results are used only within the University of Sustainable Development Eberswalde for scientific purposes and quality assurance of teaching and studies. 

Results of Graduate Survey 2017/18

In winter term all the graduates of 2015 and 2016 were surveyed. The survey was conducted between 1 and 2 years after graduation. This time distance allows to gather statements about the transition into master studies or career start and assessment of the studies against the background of professional experience. Each fifth person from the target group took part in the survey. 

Final grade

The graduates of the University of Sustainable Development Eberswalde on average have a good final grade (Ø 1,8). Master graduates (Ø 1,7) perform a little better than bachelor graduates (Ø 1,9).

Contentment with completed studies 

73 % of graduates are content or very content with their completed studies at the University of Sustainable Development Eberswalde. Only about 6 % are rather not content with their completed studies. The differences between faculties are very low. Especially high estimates were given to contact with teachers and practical relevance of the university. 

Situation after graduation 

67 % of respondents have started to work since their graduation in 2015 or 2016. 80 % of this group have a job which corresponds to their education. Especially after bachelor studies often follow postgraduate studies, trainee-positions or preparatory service, so that the number of those who start to work right after graduation is lower (54 %) than for instanse in case of master studies (85%). Doctoral studies are still extremely rare due to lack of right to award doctorates.

Career start and professional satisfaction

On average graduates need three months and ten applications to find their first job. 44 % of graduates had or have their first employment with a contract of indefinite duration. 

58 % of graduates were employed in private sector, 29 % in public services and 13 % in noncommercial organisations. These numbers show a very wide range of employment areas. Most often respondents mentioned planning, consulting and expertise companies, research and development organisations as well as sales and distribution. 

Overall there is a positive image of contentment with professional situation. 69 % of respondents are content with their first employment to high or to very high extent. In general there is a good to balanced correlation between studies and employment. 45 % of graduates largely and consciously use qualifications acquired during their studies.  

Continuance in the region

32 % of graduates found their first employment in Berlin, 23 % in Brandenburg. Thus more than a half of graduates stay after completion of their studies in the region.

Next cycle

The next survey will include the cohorts who graduated in 2017 to 2020. It will be conducted in spring 2022.