Third year at the top: Humak alumni were the most active respondents to the career monitoring survey among universities of applied sciences

The career monitoring survey was conducted from 7 October to 9 November 2026, and it was aimed at those who completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at Humak in 2021. A total of 201 Humak alumni responded, out of a target group of 331 graduates. Humak’s response rate was the highest in the sector for the third year in a row. 

The comprehensive response data provides useful information on how education has supported alumni in their transition to working life and what skills are needed in working life. This information guides the development of Humak’s degree programmes, and the survey results also influence the funding of universities of applied sciences. 

Phone campaign and systematic communication supported participation 

Once again this year, the high response rate was supported by a phone campaign carried out by Humak’s lecturers. The lecturers called alumni, asked how they were doing and explained why responding to the survey matters. 

In addition to the phone campaign, the survey was promoted according to a detailed communication plan. Alumni were asked as early as September to update their contact details in the alumni register, and information about the survey was shared in alumni newsletters, on Humak’s website and on social media before and during the survey. This year, the promotion was also boosted with a variety of videos explaining why responding is worthwhile. 

The calls were warmly received 

According to the lecturers, alumni were delighted to be contacted, and calls were answered enthusiastically, even in the middle of a fell hike. For many, it was meaningful that the caller was their former teacher. For the lecturers, the calls offered insight into the career paths Humak graduates have taken. 

Those who graduated in 2021 completed their studies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their career paths have been diverse. Alumni work, for example, in outreach and digital youth work, child welfare, NGOs and projects, schools and educational institutions, as communications specialists, in event, theatre and TV production, and as interpreters. In the cultural sector in particular, some have built their careers on project-based work or have directed their skills towards other fields as well. Many have continued their studies: some are completing a Master’s degree at Humak, while others have complemented their skills with a Bachelor of Social Services degree or gone on to Master’s studies at a university. 

Alumni particularly appreciated the practical orientation of their studies at Humak, the activity-based and participatory methods, and the opportunity to combine studies with work. 

Alumni want to share their expertise with students 

As in previous years, the calls highlighted alumni’s desire to support current students. Numerous alumni offered to share their career stories with students, for example as visiting speakers on courses and at working life seminars. Some offered internship placements or invited students to visit their workplaces. Alumni stories play an important role, as they can strengthen young students’ faith in their own future and help them shape their careers. 

Ideas for developing education 

During the calls, alumni also made concrete suggestions for development. They hoped that studies would strengthen AI skills, as artificial intelligence is now very much part of young people’s everyday lives. They also wished for deeper communication and international skills. In addition, alumni called for more content on mental health and mental well-being, as well as more financial, project, sales and facilitation expertise. Community Educator alumni hoped that the competence of Community Educators would be better recognised in working life, particularly in child welfare, where some had had to obtain a social services qualification alongside their degree. 

Results to be published in early 2027 

The survey results will be analysed during the rest of the year and reported in more detail in early 2027. Next autumn, the career monitoring survey will be conducted for those who graduated in 2022. Humak warmly thanks all alumni who responded to the survey and all staff who took part in the campaign.

Have your say and make a difference during your studies too 

Current students can also influence Humak’s development. During the ongoing Social Impact Weeks from 9 to 29 November 2026, students can give feedback on their studies by responding to the new Humak Student Barometer.