Study title

The survey charted the careers and employment situations of Finnish doctoral graduates three years after they had obtained their degree in 2017. Themes of the survey included impact of a doctoral degree on employment, usefulness of doctoral education in terms of skills needed in occupational life, and job satisfaction. The respondents were first asked what their occupational status was at the time of the survey and what it had been 6 months before starting the degree and 6 months after finishing it. Questions covered whether having a doctoral degree had led to an increased salary and better standing in occupational life, whether a doctoral degree had been a prerequisite for the respondents' current job, and what their gross monthly income was at present. The respondents were also asked if they had been unemployed after finishing their degree. Further questions covered how important certain skills and know-how were in the respondents' current job and how well their doctoral studies had developed these skills (e.g. theoretical or practical knowledge of their field, problem solving, managerial skills, negotiation skills, project management, and scientific communication). Opinions were charted on the significance of doctoral and other tertiary education, work experience, contacts and networks, and other skills in occupational life. The respondents were asked how they had financed their doctoral studies (e.g. by being employed by a university or other research institute or with a personal research grant). Finally, it was surveyed whether the respondents had completed their doctoral degree by studying full-time, part-time or during their leisure time while also otherwise employed. The 2020 survey also included a question on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had affected the respondents' employment situation. Background variables included the respondent's gender, field of study, and age at the time of graduation (dichotomised 35 or under/36 and over).