Structural Disparities Between Economics Education Output and Labour Market Demand: Evidence from Longitudinal Data on Business Graduates

Abstract

This research investigates the structural misalignments between the outcomes of economics education and the requirements of the labour market, utilising longitudinal evidence from business graduates tracked over a five-year span. Although the university maintains a strong academic standing, a notable reduction has been observed in the employment rates of economics graduates, indicating a discrepancy between the skills delivered through the curriculum and those valued by employers. Adopting a longitudinal design, the analysis incorporates graduates’ academic and employment records in conjunction with labour market indicators obtained from regional job advertisements and employer surveys. The study applies competency mapping, skill alignment measures, and regression analysis to assess the extent of correspondence between educational provision and employer expectations. Findings demonstrate considerable shortcomings in key capabilities, particularly in data interpretation, analytical problem-solving, and effective communication, all of which are vital for professional success. Feedback from employers substantiates these results, offering further evidence of the competencies insufficiently represented within the curriculum. The study ends by suggesting curriculum reforms that include a greater emphasis on applied learning, sector-oriented projects, and strengthened partnerships with industry, with the aim of equipping graduates more effectively for the evolving demands of the labour market.