INVOLVING EMPLOYED GRADUATES IN IMPROVING EDUCATION QUALITY

The article elaborates a model of cooperation between a university and its employed graduates. The model is aimed at using the potential of graduates in improving the quality of specialist training and competitiveness of specialists. It draws on the experience of involving graduates in the educational process of universities in Russia, as compared to the experience of European and American universities. The article sets out the main components of the model, including conceptual foundation, goal-setting, management system, subjects and objects, as well as criteria for achieving goals. It presents the results of longitudinal research conducted in 2013-2017 among graduates of the Ural Federal University (Russia). In presenting the experience of using the potential of employers and graduates, it explores into mechanisms of their interaction. The conclusion summarizes the prospects and main directions of further cooperation of universities and employers. It provides suggestions for applying the results of the present research in practical activities of universities.