From student to working professional: A graduate survey
Jacqueline Whalley, Asanthika Imbulpitiya, Tony Clear, Harley Ogier
TL;DR
This study investigates WiL experiences of thirty recent New Zealand computer science graduates to understand how universities and employers can support the transition to industry. Using a mixed-method survey, it finds that capstone projects are the primary bridge to work, delivering transferable competencies in teamwork, client relations, technology exposure, and time management. However, fewer than half receive mentorship and most lack ongoing professional development, indicating gaps in onboarding and early-career support. The study advocates stronger university–industry collaboration to provide onboarding and developmental opportunities, particularly within SME-dominated New Zealand tech sectors.
Abstract
This paper reports on the results of a 2023 survey that explores the Work Integrated Learning (WiL) experiences of thirty recent Computer Science (CS) graduates. The graduates had all completed their undergraduate bachelors degree within the last five years and were currently employed in a CS industry role. The survey asked about the graduates' perceptions within a continuum of WiL experiences from final year capstone projects to professional development in their first industry-based role. Most respondents had taken a capstone course involving a team project. Only two respondents had participated in an internship program. Our results indicate that graduates value their capstone experiences and believe that they provide transferable skills including teamwork, managing client relations, exposure to technologies and methods, and time management. When entering their first industry role less than fifty percent of graduates were allocated a mentor. Overwhelmingly, these graduates noted the importance of those mentors in their transition from student to working professional. Very few of the surveyed graduates were provided with ongoing professional development opportunities. Those who did noted significant gains including growth of leadership skills and accelerated career progression. Our survey highlights a gap and an opportunity for tertiary institutions to work with industry to provide graduate onboarding and novice/early-career professional development opportunities.