Abstract:

In a previous study, which was carried out on a sample of 400 graduates from Jaume I University (UJI), was explored the set of competency that defines the profile UJI’s graduates, as well as the most demanded by the employers and the differences between employed and unemployed graduates. As a step forward, this study will go in depth in the Business studies field.

With the aim to develop activities focused to improve employability in higher education graduates, university careers service particularize actions in similar title groups. Bachelor degrees in business administration, finance and accounting and economics have similarities in the curriculum, demand by students and subsequent demand from the labour market.

The aim of this paper is to explore the employability profile of business administration (BA), finance and accounting (FIAC) and economics (ECO) graduates from Jaume I University (Castelló, Spain), as well as the general skills required by the employers in each degree. The total sample was n = 127 graduates, (62.20% women).

We found similarities and differences between the three bachelors and the total profile of Bachelor at UJI. Whereas at UJI profile the most outstanding competences are written and oral communication on their own language/mother tongue, the learning capacity, the basic abilities for the use of computers or the teamwork, we found that capacity to learn is the common competence between business graduates and UJI general profile. In similar way, oral and written communication in the native language is a shared competence between UJI profile and BA and ECO degrees. Elementary computing skills are shared too between UJI and BA and FIAC graduates. Thereby, BA profile is the most similar to UJI competences profile, while ECO and FIAC differ in different ways. In ECO profile stand out competences such as capacity to adapt to new situations or problem solving. Finally, FIAC graduates differ by emphasizing competences such as concern for quality or ability to work autonomously.

On the other hand, based on our studies, the activity rate in the three studies is higher than the mean of total Bachelors. Additionally, graduates in Business Administration and Economics are hired more frequently by the companies where they developed their internships than the other fields of studies. Regarding job-studies mismatch is higher than the total mean at UJI.

We also explore the skills profile, the sector of the company and the occupation held of those developing a qualified job (for technician or managers) besides those whose job is medium or low-level administrative or operative tasks.

These results point out the necessity for specializing career counselling and Careers Day actions for each field of studies, as well as increasing the level of information for pre-graduates and students to take career decisions.

Keywords:

Business studies, soft competences, employability profile, career counselling.