Graduate students' perspectives on their acquired skills following the Erasmus+ Programme

Abstract

Graduate skills are a key factor in their selection in a company. This research focuses on the extent to which the Erasmus+ mobility programme contributes to the development of skills required for a modern work environment. Thus, the paper examines whether the skills developed through an Erasmus+ programme are recognised as important by European employers. The results of the primary quantitative online survey showed that graduates developed adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, dynamism, professionalism, responsibility, commitment, and creative problem-solving skills through their participation in the Erasmus+ programme. Even if the Erasmus+ programme appears to enhance a variety of talents, there are some others, such the improvement of interpersonal skills, which are less well-developed. An important conclusion of this study is that young people's participation in the Erasmus+ programme, in terms of study or internship, contributes to their desire to work in an international context, while a prolonged participation in the programme is positively correlated with the development of communication skills.