Abstract:
According to the Graduates Career Outcome Survey (GCOS) 2011, which was
conducted by the Department of Manpower and Employment, Sri Lankan graduates
acquire multiple qualifications to upgrade their position in the labour market. A
significant number of graduates have followed certificate courses and professional
courses other than the degree programme. Hence the objective of this paper is to
identify whether acquiring multiple qualifications is an effective strategy for
graduates to increase their earnings. To achieve the above objective, a log earnings
function was estimated using a national representative data set, GCOS 2011.
Graduates’ earnings mainly depend on the type of degree, results, medium of studies,
and professional qualifications. The earnings of graduates with First Class Honours is
26% higher than that of others. English-medium graduates earn 22% more than
Sinhala- or Tamil-medium graduates. Graduates who have professional qualifications
earn 18% more than others. The findings show that a graduate with professional
qualifications has a better position in the labour market. There is no return for
certificate courses such as English or Tamil language, computing, or management. As
findings show that graduate earnings mainly depend on university education, students
should prioritize their university education. In the present university system,
undergraduates have opportunities to improve their soft skills such as language
competence and computer literacy free of charge. Hence, undergraduates should fully
utilise the resources available within the university system without engaging in
external courses while at university.
