‘Where soft skills are (not) developing…’: A study of graduates’ skills and the role of university in preparing students for the labour market in Hungary

In the 21st century, the need to develop skills has gained significance. Most education systems equip graduates with the cognitive skills needed to enter the labour market. However, it is soft skills that enable young graduates to become potential employees. Hungarian higher education is characterised by a teacher-centred approach, which is less conducive to the development of soft skills. Our research investigates graduates’ skills and the extent to which their skills are in alignment with the requirements of the workplace. The Fresh Graduate Survey 2020 database was used, while our interview survey provides nuances to the results of the secondary analysis. We also analyse how one Hungarian higher education institution has supported students’ transition to the labour market. Data show that the competences considered important in the labour market are not always the same as the skills that graduates most often possess. There is a considerable gap between expected and existing skills in the following areas: problem-solving, time management, practical expertise and conflict management. These skills are particularly important in the labour market, but graduates are less likely to have them. The results of the quantitative research are also nuanced by the interviews, which show that higher education provides a good foundation but does not sufficiently focus on the development of soft skills. The results of the qualitative research highlight a number of shortcomings in key areas, the development of which is important not only at the level of individuals but also in the long term in view of the prestige of university education.