The purpose of the study was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of SGH graduates based on structured interviews conducted on a group of respondents representing members of the SGH Partners Club, along with ab analysis of literature on the subject and own experiences.
The study sought answers to the following questions:
- What strengths do SGH graduates possess in the eyes of SGH Partners Club members?
- What weaknesses do SGH alumni have in the eyes of the Partners Club members?
- Which competences of the university graduates are the most important from the point of view of SGH Partners Club?
- Which competences have a gap?
The survey was conducted in September and October 2018. The selection of the research sample was purposeful and non-random. Initially, individuals indicated by the SGH Business Cooperation Centre as operational contacts, i.e. individuals representing individual companies of the SGH Partners Club, were invited to complete the questionnaire.
Due to the low return rate of the questionnaires, the authors of the study asked other individuals holding managerial positions in the Partners Club companies and those who could comment on the subject of the research to fill in the questionnaire. Eventually 14 out of 16 companies - members of Partners Club - took part in the survey, i.e. Bank Pekao, Santander Bank, Deloitte, EY, ING Bank Śląski, KPMG, MasterCard, McKinsey & Company, PKO Bank Polski, PwC, PZU Group, Schenker, Warsaw Stock Exchange. The survey consisted of several modules. In the first, there were two questions about evaluation. Answering the question about the strengths of the SGH graduates, the authors indicated a high level of knowledge and the professional preparation of the graduates. They are able to adapt theoretical knowledge to practice.
The strengths of SGH graduates include the ability to obtain and analyse information and an openness to learning and continuous development. Their advantages also include initiative, creativity, energy in action, a positive attitude to work and taking rational risks. SGH graduates are characterised by a high level of personal culture. They are able to work individually but also to create networks of social contacts. At the same time, they have no problems in cooperating with their superiors. Their advantages also include the ability to create presentations, use office software and gather and synthesise information. What is also important is that they appreciate the ability to quickly learn new IT solutions. In response to the question about the weaknesses of SGH graduates, the survey results include the following statements: Graduates have insufficient knowledge of the social environment of enterprises; A problem is the inability of showing self-discipline and relatively low diligence; They also do not cope well with the ability of self-evaluation; It is a challenge for them to work in a team. Based on the results of the survey, the authors formulate recommendations for SGH and students who plan to take up a job in one of the companies being a member of the SGH Partners Club or in companies similar to them.