What remains from your university studies once you’ve earned your degree and started your career? Quite a lot, according to the results of Goethe University’s latest graduate study, which offers fascinating insights into the experiences, paths, and perspectives of alumni – and paints an encouraging overall picture: Most graduates look back on their period of study with satisfaction and have successfully transitioned into their professional lives. Master’s degree graduates, in particular, report being satisfied or very satisfied with their studies at Goethe University at a rate of over 75 percent, slightly higher than Master’s graduates at comparable universities. Over 70 percent of all graduates would choose the same university again in hindsight, with Goethe University once again ranking slightly above comparable higher learning institutions. Many Goethe University graduates highlight the diverse course offerings and the opportunity to deepen their own interests.
Most graduates transition into the world of work quickly: Only about 2 percent of graduates from the most recently surveyed class of 2023 were neither employed nor engaged in education, a postgraduate traineeship, or further university coursework 1.5 years after completing their degree. On average, employed graduates spent about 4 months searching for their first regular job. Many found their first position through personal connections or traditional applications – clear evidence of solid career preparation and strong networks.
Of course, there are also critical comments, such as feedback on the relevance to practice of university courses. These valuable insights are incorporated into the accreditation process for programs and are used to continuously advance and enhance Goethe University’s academic offerings.
The overall result shows that Goethe University remains a regional hub: Around three-quarters of our graduates currently work in Hesse, many of them in the Rhine-Main area.
For more information about the graduate study, visit: www.absolventenbefragung.uni-frankfurt.de
Join Now: The 2025 Graduate and Alumni Survey is Currently Underway
The next round of the graduate and alumni survey has been running since October 2025. All those who completed their studies at Goethe University between October 2023 and September 2024 – or discontinued their studies during this period without a degree – are invited to participate.
By taking part, you contribute to actively shaping teaching and learning at Goethe University: the results feed into reaccreditations and quality assurance processes, help faculties further develop their study programs, and provide both current and future students with valuable insights and guidance for their path after graduation. The survey takes about 20–30 minutes to complete and is conducted online. All participants also have the chance to win a prize.
Further information is available at:
www.absolventenbefragung.uni-frankfurt.de (graduates)
www.ehemaligenbefragung.uni-frankfurt.de (alumni without a degree)
Author: Dr. Philipp Nolden
