Success on the labour market for university graduates depends on various skills, but there is no such thing as THE skill. A study by ISS researcher Emilia Kmiotek-Meier (Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology) together with Tonia Rossié and Konstantin Canora sought answers to the question: What do university graduates need to be successful on the labour market? They interviewed 26 employers and employees from the Cologne area, who were asked to sort various skills according to their importance for their field of work.

The analysis revealed systematic differences between the interviewees. Three dimensions of the labour market were defined, which differ in their requirements: ‘The middle field’, ‘The people-oriented and critical market’ and ‘The world of rules’.

• The sub-labour market ‘The middle field’ requires a broad spectrum of soft skills. The type of degree (BA, MA or doctorate), the final grade or the specialised knowledge play a subordinate role.
• The ‘The people-oriented and critical market’, represented for example by employees in NGOs and teams with flat hierarchies, stands for a mindset that views work as an integral part of life. The individual is central and should be critical of the world and open to new ideas. Activities in this area emphasise social responsibility, respect for others and personal development.
• The sub-labour market ‘The world of rules’ represents a traditional working world, especially in professions with linear career paths, clear rules and defined positions and areas of responsibility (e.g. legal and medical professions). In these fields, the specialised knowledge acquired at university is an indispensable prerequisite. Soft skills are also very important here, but not paramount.

People who can communicate clearly, work in a team/project and think creatively and innovatively benefit in all three areas. Self-reflection was emphasised in the interviews. It was defined as important for university graduates to know what values and goals they are pursuing.