International Rankings Assess VU Study Programmes and Employment Opportunities for Graduates
QS World University Rankings, which ranked Vilnius University (VU) among the 400 best universities in the world this June, published new ranking data in other areas. VU ranks 301–500 in the graduate employment rankings published on 23 September, and for the first time, three VU Business School study programmes have been ranked. The graduates’ success stories also reflect employment opportunities.
For the first time, VU, which ranks 301–500 out of 786 rated institutions in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, has the opportunity to compare the employment opportunities of higher education graduates globally.
The ranking mostly focused on the university’s reputation among employers (30%), the university’s partnership with employers (25%), and alumni achievement (25%). According to the latter criterion, VU was awarded the highest number of points – 44.5 out of 100.
The ranking analyzed the data of more than 40 thousand alumni according to the following characteristics: innovation, creativity, earned wealth, entrepreneurship and/or philanthropic activities.
According to Vice-Rector for Partnership Dr. Artūras Vasiliauskas, the latest rankings prove that VU graduates are entering the labor market having acquired the necessary competencies.
“VU graduates are welcome not only in Lithuania but also in world-renowned foreign companies. The fact that this year saw the first time three programmes for Master’s in Business Administration have been ranked, focusing on graduate employment opportunities, shows that the University is able to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing business world,” said Dr. A. Vasiliauskas.
Ranked master’s programmes
This year, for the first time, three master's degree programmes at the VU Business School were included in the Global MBA & Business Masters 2022 ranking. The Digital Marketing programme ranks 91-100, International Project Management ranks 121-130, and International Business Finance ranks 141-150.
Employment opportunities had the most value (35%) in this ranking. The ranking has collected feedback from tens of thousands of employers over the past five years, assessing the level of employment of graduates in the first three months after graduation.
The ranking was also based on thought leadership (20%), economic benefits (20%), alumni achievements (15%), and gender and ethnicity diversity (10%).
VU Business School graduates also talk about employment prospects. Artūras Zatulinas, Head of the Business Clients Division at the Latvian capital energy company Latvenergo electricity supplier Elektrum Lietuva, claims that the content of the business master’s studies is relevant and constantly updated, in line with the labor market.
Having acquired a bachelor’s degree in International Business in English, I also continued my master’s studies at the Business School, the International Business Finance programme. The decision to select this programme was prompted by the need to deepen my knowledge in the field of finance. All knowledge acquired during bachelor’s and master’s studies can be applied, corresponds to today’s realities. Knowledge, discussions with colleagues and teachers, informal communication even after graduation, bring benefits and create long-term value,” A. Zatulinas said.
During his studies, A. Zatulinas took part in exchange programs in China and France, his career path focused on international companies. He worked for companies such as Coca-Cola and PZU Group. According to the VU alumni, he benefits from the knowledge acquired at the university to this day.
When working in business, you must have a good knowledge of finance, calculate and justify the benefits of investments to customers, the company, and shareholders. The knowledge acquired at the university was very useful. Furthermore, the university connected me with people working in various fields who I can consult with on investments, develop joint business projects,” A. Zatulinas told.