{"id":4693,"date":"2025-11-20T10:11:22","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T23:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/?p=4693"},"modified":"2025-11-20T10:12:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T23:42:54","slug":"4693-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/4693-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How Higher Education Shapes Careers: New Insights"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-turn-id=\"request-68c263ee-94fc-832f-9dab-9b783bbfbf2b-26\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-284\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"6cc48a88-e129-47f3-8383-5fa42954356f\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\">\n<h1 data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"161\"><strong data-start=\"85\" data-end=\"161\">How Higher Education Shapes Careers: New Insights from Longitudinal Data<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"520\">Jobs and Skills Australia has released important new research that tracks how higher education graduates transition into the workforce, and how their careers develop over time. Using the Personal Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA), this study provides one of the most detailed pictures to date of what happens after students complete their qualifications.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"714\">The findings correlate with those collected by The Department of Education and Universities Australia and highlight the powerful role higher education plays in shaping Australia\u2019s future workforce, while offering valuable insights for students, universities, industry and policymakers.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"716\" data-end=\"719\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"753\"><strong data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"753\">Why This Research Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"997\">Australia\u2019s labour market is evolving rapidly. With more than 90% of future job growth expected in occupations requiring post-school qualifications, understanding the links between study and long-term employment has never been more important.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"999\" data-end=\"1266\">Traditional survey data has limitations, especially when it comes to sample size and long-term tracking. By using linked administrative data, this project provides a deeper and more accurate view of graduates\u2019 career pathways, income growth, and occupation outcomes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1419\">This report is the first phase in a broader program of work exploring student outcomes and higher education&#8217;s role in meeting Australia\u2019s skills needs.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1424\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1426\" data-end=\"1445\"><strong data-start=\"1429\" data-end=\"1445\">Key Findings<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"1447\" data-end=\"1519\"><strong data-start=\"1451\" data-end=\"1519\">1. Linked data opens the door to long-term, meaningful insights.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"1684\">By connecting education records with taxation data, researchers can more clearly track employment patterns, income progression, and occupational pathways over time.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1686\" data-end=\"1753\"><strong data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1753\">2. Higher education delivers strong labour market outcomes.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1754\" data-end=\"1853\">Graduates across wide-ranging fields experienced clear economic benefits from their qualifications.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"2082\">\n<li data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1951\">\n<p data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"1951\"><strong data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"1879\">Income grew by 35%<\/strong> in the first five years after completion \u2014 from <strong data-start=\"1928\" data-end=\"1950\">$63,500 to $85,500<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1952\" data-end=\"2082\">\n<p data-start=\"1954\" data-end=\"2082\">Fields like <strong data-start=\"1966\" data-end=\"2027\">Mining Engineering, Medical Studies, and General Medicine<\/strong> led the way in both starting pay and long-term growth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"2084\" data-end=\"2141\"><strong data-start=\"2088\" data-end=\"2141\">3. Some degrees lead directly to aligned careers.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2269\">\n<li data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2191\">\n<p data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2191\"><strong data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2174\">72% of Education graduates<\/strong> became teachers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2192\" data-end=\"2269\">\n<p data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2269\"><strong data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2226\">60% of Engineering graduates<\/strong> went on to work as professional engineers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2381\">This demonstrates strong qualification-to-career alignment in fields where specialised knowledge is essential.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2383\" data-end=\"2449\"><strong data-start=\"2387\" data-end=\"2449\">4. Other qualifications unlock wide-ranging opportunities.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2668\">Degrees in <strong data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2508\">Management, Commerce, and Society &amp; Culture<\/strong> translated into careers across more than <strong data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2585\">70 distinct occupational groups<\/strong>. This versatility highlights the broad employability of graduates in these fields.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2670\" data-end=\"2742\"><strong data-start=\"2674\" data-end=\"2742\">5. Postgraduate qualifications can significantly boost earnings.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2743\" data-end=\"2755\">For example:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2756\" data-end=\"2899\">\n<li data-start=\"2756\" data-end=\"2899\">\n<p data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2899\">Business graduates with a postgraduate qualification earn a median of <strong data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2844\">$54,800 more<\/strong> annually than those with only an undergraduate degree.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"2901\" data-end=\"2904\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2906\" data-end=\"2955\"><strong data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2955\">Employment and Income: What the Data Shows<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2957\" data-end=\"3073\">Using tax data, researchers identified wage and salary outcomes for graduates one year after completing their study:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3162\">\n<li data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3162\">\n<p data-start=\"3077\" data-end=\"3162\"><strong data-start=\"3077\" data-end=\"3097\">92% of graduates<\/strong> showed evidence of wage or salary work one year post-completion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3320\">This gradually declined over time, which may reflect career progression into self-employment, time taken out of the workforce, or graduates moving overseas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3322\" data-end=\"3495\">While these figures provide strong indicators of employment, they should be interpreted with care \u2014 absence of tax-file wage data does not necessarily indicate unemployment.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3497\" data-end=\"3500\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3502\" data-end=\"3565\"><strong data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3565\">What This Means for Students, Universities, and Industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"3567\" data-end=\"3587\"><strong data-start=\"3571\" data-end=\"3587\">For Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3588\" data-end=\"3634\">The findings offer a clearer understanding of:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3635\" data-end=\"3817\">\n<li data-start=\"3635\" data-end=\"3697\">\n<p data-start=\"3637\" data-end=\"3697\">The income outcomes associated with different study pathways<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3698\" data-end=\"3755\">\n<p data-start=\"3700\" data-end=\"3755\">How specific qualifications connect to real occupations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3756\" data-end=\"3817\">\n<p data-start=\"3758\" data-end=\"3817\">Which fields offer the strongest long-term career potential<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3819\" data-end=\"3909\">This can help students make more informed choices about their education and future career.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3911\" data-end=\"3935\"><strong data-start=\"3915\" data-end=\"3935\">For Universities<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3975\">Universities can use these insights to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3976\" data-end=\"4126\">\n<li data-start=\"3976\" data-end=\"4010\">\n<p data-start=\"3978\" data-end=\"4010\">Strengthen industry partnerships<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4069\">\n<p data-start=\"4013\" data-end=\"4069\">Improve course design and alignment with workforce needs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4126\">\n<p data-start=\"4072\" data-end=\"4126\">Support students with clearer pathways into employment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"4128\" data-end=\"4165\"><strong data-start=\"4132\" data-end=\"4165\">For Industry and Policymakers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4166\" data-end=\"4207\">These findings provide critical data for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4208\" data-end=\"4348\">\n<li data-start=\"4208\" data-end=\"4228\">\n<p data-start=\"4210\" data-end=\"4228\">Workforce planning<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4229\" data-end=\"4272\">\n<p data-start=\"4231\" data-end=\"4272\">Productivity and labour supply strategies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4273\" data-end=\"4348\">\n<p data-start=\"4275\" data-end=\"4348\">Understanding how education choices influence long-term economic outcomes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"4350\" data-end=\"4353\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4355\" data-end=\"4375\"><strong data-start=\"4358\" data-end=\"4375\">Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4377\" data-end=\"4656\">This report marks the beginning of a long-term research program focused on higher education outcomes. By leveraging linked administrative data, future studies will further unpack the complex pathways between study choices, labour market needs, and Australia\u2019s economic wellbeing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4658\" data-end=\"4870\">As Australia prepares for the next decade of workforce transformation, insights like these will be essential in ensuring our education system continues to deliver a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4872\" data-end=\"4875\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"359\">At Entr\u00e9e Recruitment, we recognise how important the transition from study to work is, and this research highlights the strong career outcomes achieved by higher education graduates. As workplaces continue to evolve, employers need skilled, adaptable talent, and graduates need clear pathways into meaningful roles.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"662\">Entr\u00e9e Recruitment supports both sides by connecting organisations with quality candidates and helping graduates and professionals step into roles that match their skills and goals. By understanding labour market trends, we help businesses build strong workforces and individuals build strong careers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"748\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Whether you\u2019re planning your next hire or your next career move, we\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"748\">References<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"748\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jobsandskills.gov.au\/publications\/higher-education-outcomes-exploring-administrative-data\">Jobs and Skills Australia<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"748\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.education.gov.au\/higher-education-statistics\/student-data\/selected-higher-education-statistics-2024-student-data\/key-findings-2024-higher-education-student-statistics\">The Department of Education<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/universitiesaustralia.edu.au\/stats-publications\/student-data-hub\/\">Universities Australia<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none h-px w-px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-edge=\"true\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Higher Education Shapes Careers: New Insights from Longitudinal Data Jobs and Skills Australia has released important new research that tracks how higher education graduates transition into the workforce, and how their careers develop over time. Using the Personal Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA), this study provides one of the most detailed pictures to date&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4697,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,22,15,16,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-advice","category-employment-market","category-job-ready","category-job-seekers","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4693"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4693\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4701,"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4693\/revisions\/4701"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/4697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entree.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}