Should I compare where graduates stay after five years, not just where they get hired?
Yes. In addition to looking at employers and employment rates soon after graduation, checking whether graduates are still working five years later can provide clues about job fit and longer-term retention. However, do not judge a university or department by retention alone; consider the occupations, job changes, further study, graduation year, and other background factors as well.
Key points
- Employment outcomes soon after graduation and five-year retention show different aspects of graduates’ paths.
- Five-year data can help you consider job fit and continuity of career outcomes.
- Also check the occupations covered, changes of job or further study, and how the data were collected and calculated.
Things to check
- Reported measures and survey methods vary by university, faculty, and academic year.
- Remaining with the same employer after five years does not necessarily mean that the outcome was best for the individual.