A1 Journal article (refereed)
Life course challenges in crises : transition from higher education to work during COVID-19 in Finland and Sweden (2023)

Nuckols, J. A., Sirola, A., Ylilahti, M., & Wilska, T.-A. (2023). Life course challenges in crises : transition from higher education to work during COVID-19 in Finland and Sweden. Journal of Education and Work, 36(7-8), 576-591. https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080.2023.2292155

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Nuckols, Julia
Sirola, Anu
Ylilahti, Minna
Wilska, Terhi-Anna

Publication details

All authors or editors: Nuckols, Julia A.; Sirola, Anu; Ylilahti, Minna; Wilska, Terhi-Anna

Journal or series: Journal of Education and Work

ISSN: 1363-9080

eISSN: 1469-9435

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 13/12/2023

Volume: 36

Issue number: 7-8

Pages range: 576-591

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080.2023.2292155

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/92338

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the daily continuity of young people by causing financial insecurity, remote work/studies, loss of work, loneliness, stress, and unpredictability of the future. This study explores the experiences of pandemic-time graduates from Finland and Sweden in the transition from higher education to work. Finland and Sweden are culturally and socially rather similar Nordic welfare states, and while both utilised different pandemic strategies, education and work were both widely remote in both countries and social mobility limited due to travel restrictions. The data of this study include ten focus group discussions of university students who graduated during the first year of the pandemic. The data is analysed using thematic content analysis, particularly in the context of employability perceptions, professional agency, and financial solutions. The results revealed that the pandemic amplified inequalities and increased concerns regarding job security, with graduates in some disciplines impacted more than others. The findings raise questions regarding post-pandemic labour market trends and career decision making between secure and insecure fields.

Keywords: employment; COVID-19; young adults; course of life; tertiary education

Free keywords: Covid19; employment; young adulthood; life course; higher education

Fields of science: