Hbo graduates in times of corona

Consequences of the corona crisis among hbo graduates vary widely

Despite the fact that for some graduates, the corona crisis has a considerable impact, the negative effects are generally not that bad. This is partly due to the favourable starting position of hbo graduates before the crisis. In addition, a large majority have confidence in how the government is dealing with this crisis, many expect that their situation will improve as a result of government measures being made more flexible, and they often also come up with new ideas for their work. This was the conclusion of research by Maastricht University’s Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA).

Research into consequences
The Netherlands, like the rest of the world, is currently struggling with the consequences of COVID-19. These consequences - for work, for study, for households, and for social and cultural life - are very far-reaching, and change daily. The Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market recently carried out research into the consequences of the corona crisis for the specific group of hbo graduates who graduated between 2013 and 2018. The aim was to discover how the corona crisis affects the (labour market) position, working conditions and wellbeing of young graduates of higher professional education.

Snapshot
The research shows that the consequences of the corona crisis among hbo graduates vary widely, with artists, the self-employed and graduates with a migration background being hardest hit. They now experience more financial problems and (threatened) unemployment. For young people who have graduated in education or health care, the corona crisis has little negative impact in terms of employment or job security. They do, however, work more hours and experience more stress. In addition, many graduates indicate that in this crisis they are gaining new ideas for their work.

The researchers indicate that this is a snapshot. Depending on the duration of the crisis, the picture may look different in a few months' time.

The full report in Dutch can be downloaded here.

For more information about this research, please contact Dr. Barbara Belfi (b.belfi@maastrichtuniversity.nl). You can also contact Josephine Dols, UM press officer, e-mail josephine.dols@maastrichtuniversity.nl. UM's Marketing and Communications department can be reached via e-mail pers@maastrichtuniversity.nl.