University education, expectations and conditions of professional insertion

Abstract

This article deals with the relation between education and work on the basis of an empirical inquiry performed among university students. The data were obtained through a questionnaire applied to undergraduate students of selected courses of a public university in Paraná State. The results present the characterization of these students in terms of employment from the moment they begin their studies until graduation, as well as the prospects in the areas of work and education. They also discuss the students’ perceptions of the labor market and its relation with school education. The use of theoretical references in the area and the comparison of the empirical data with other similar studies and official statistics show that in spite of the social pressure for young people to pursue a university degree, this in itself does not guarantee their insertion in the labor market or better work and salary conditions.

Keywords: university education, labor market, employment, unemployment, education.