University of Tampere Survey for Fifth-year Students 2007

The survey, conducted by the University of Tampere for its fifth-year students in 2007, examines progress with studies, working during studies, and planning of studies. Studies were first charted by asking the respondents which educational institution and field of study they had primarily wanted to be accepted into when they had applied, and to what extent they agreed with a number of statements relating to studies and study progress (e.g. "University studies have met my expectations", "I have progressed in my studies according to my plans"). Things that had negatively affected the progress of studies were charted. Planning of studies was examined with questions about the support received from the university when planning studies, and own initiative in searching for information supporting planning. With regard to minor subjects, a number of statements were presented (e.g. "I choose my minor subject(s) based on my own interests", "Recommendations from other students have an effect on my choices"). Relating to employment, the respondents were asked whether they had worked during studies and during the academic year 2006-2007, and to what extent they agreed with several statements about working during studies (e.g. "Studying and working at the same time is very stressful", "I work because I want to avoid taking a student loan", "Working takes up time needed for studies", "I don't work because I want to graduate as soon as possible"). The respondents were also asked which line of work they aimed at after graduation and later in their career, and to what extent they thought various things would affect their employment (e.g. performance in studies, work experience, international experience). Finally, the respondents were asked how confident they were about the future and whether they studied full-time or part-time. Background variables included, among others, the respondent's age, gender, field of study, school (faculty), number of credits, and length of internship/studies abroad.