Perfil Profissional e Ocupacional dos Egressos de Ciências Biológicas do Centro de Estudos Superiores de Tefé-UEA

Abstract

The study with graduates emerges as an essential strategy in the evaluation of higher education institutions, providing crucial data on the effectiveness of academic programs and the performance of alumni in the job market. However, the lack of studies with graduates from the Biological Sciences course at the Amazonas State University, campus Tefé, does not allow for an understanding of the profile, professional paths, and influence on society of its graduates. Faced with this gap, this study contacted graduates of the course and aimed to understanding the effects of graduation on their professional lives as well as understanding where they are working and what careers they pursued after graduation. The study involved graduates of the Biological Sciences course at CEST-UEA who graduated between 2005 and 2023. Data were obtained through an online questionnaire. The sample consisted of 141 participants out of a total of 266 graduates. The profile drawn shows that the majority of graduates recognize that the course played a significant role in their careers, but they encounter difficulties in finding job, mainly due to a lack of opportunities in the area and poor professional experience. They experienced increase in salary compared to what they received before graduation, but it is evident that did not meet the expectations compared to the minimum wage. It is also notable that the course motivates graduates to continue their academic qualifications, as most chose to continue their studies, with specialization, followed by a master's and doctor degrees, with the areas of greatest interest being Education, Ecology, Zoology, and Botany. They are working in the course area in several locations, especially in the Amazonas State, with emphasis on Tefé and Manaus. Graduates who pursued a teaching career are working mainly in municipal and state networks, mainly in Elementary Education.