PREFERENCES OF THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF THE "FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING" AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GDANSK IN THE FIELD OF FURTHER EDUCATION PATH

Currently, study in the field of Finance and Accounting (F&A) are the most commonly offered by economic universities in Poland. This is a consequences of opinion of the possibility of getting a good job after completing this study. A high percentage of full-time students enrolled in a second degree in the same field of specialization. This was the basis for undertaking research on the preferences of the students at further continuation of education. The purpose of the paper is to present the results obtained from survey among the first degree students of the University of Gdansk in Poland.

The research had to determine the answers to the following questions:
1. Why students chose to study the F&A?
2. Do students according to their assessment made the right decision choosing studying in F&A?
3. How students evaluate their education level in the chosen field of study?
4. Do students intend to continue their education of F&A in the framework of the Master degree studies?
5. Are there any preference differences according the second degree of study between students entering and completing the first degree studies?

The methodology of the studies was based on the survey. First questionnaire was prepared, which provided the desired information set. It was addressed to students studying the F&A on the first degree of study, both in the first and third years. A total of 152 were received and properly completed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 8 questions, which have been divided into two parts. The first part included questions related to the evaluation of the currently studied degree. The second part related preferences in the selection of the further path of education in the fields related to F&A.
In order to properly complete the survey, most of the questions contained in the questionnaire had the character to choose a specific answer. Some of the questions included the possibility of entering the respondent's own opinion.

Generally, the results of research show that the majority of the third year students have defined expectations concerning further direction of education, as opposite to the first-year students. For future mostly "Accounting - general profile" was selected (43% of responses). Unfortunately, many students do not have specific plans concerning their further study. Most of the students pointed out that there is a lack of internships and practices implemented in the framework of the study, which would allow them to better understand realized didactic material.

The results refer only to the full-time students. In the future, studies should also be carried out among part-time students and among high school students facing a choice of further education paths. The choice of field of study has an impact on future career, which can in this area relate to both the domestic and international. At the same time, this knowledge allows to adjust the aim of the study according both, to the expectations of students and the labour market.

The study provides information on reasons that guide young people to choose the F&A, evaluation of programs of study and students' expectations and preferences as to the implementation of curricula - to indicate the direction of future study. Results would allow to adjust of the educational offer of the university on the one hand to the growing requirements of employers, on the other hand the expectations of young people who want to get an attractive and well-paid job.