Further Education Pathways of Canadian University Graduates

Abstract

Through secondary analysis of the National Graduate Survey data, this study examines determinants of choice of further education pathways by Canadian university graduates in early 2000s. This paper extends the Cross' participation model by introducing a typology of path choices that are related to socio-demographic, post-secondary and situational factors. The analysis shows that about half of the adult university graduates enrolled in a variety of post-secondary programmes and career-related courses within two years after graduation, and labour market outcomes five years after graduation were associated with their choices. Findings are interpreted in relation to the changing nature of work in workplaces which put pressure on highly educated workers to be active investors in their human capital by engaging in continual skill upgrading and advanced education.