Educational Trajectories of Modern Youth: Problems of Choice.

The youth studies to become professionals and to get a worthy place in labor market (to get a job with good prospects). What kind of education shall they get to achieve such results? What happens in reality? We’ve examined Russian experience.

Modern universities are slightly aimed at the labor market needs. This problem is difficult to overcome because of the rapid changes of social structure and institutions, employment market conjuncture. Even if within the university a new specialty that is in demand in labor market, is opened, after four years of studying, the market needs for the specialty may reduce or disappear. Some expert groups try to give the forecast about professions which are to be demand in 5 or 10 years. But it is still difficult to speak about results.

Professional orientation work at schools, in particular Russian, is conducted by universities. What educational programs are offered? Universities offer educational programs on which they have accreditation. Whether the rating of educational programs and interest of employers is considered here? No. Students get approximately the same result from visiting exhibitions, meetings at universities etc.

So, what kind of higher education should the youth choose? Prospective students planning to get a bachelor degree should choose the major as whole, irrespective of educational program specialization. For example, sociology in general, but not sociology of the social sphere, economic sociology, etc. After graduating from the university a certified bachelor can specialize in the particular sphere by taking Master’s courses, postgraduate courses or additional professional courses (studying individually). Such approach makes it possible to react on labor market needs and to change rapidly the educational trajectory.

All in all, only the youth’s mobility, mobility of an educational system can influence the choice of future profession and commitment to the future job with good prospects.