Misusing our talent? Overeducation, overskilling and skill underutilisation among Spanish PhD graduates

Abstract

The 'knowledge economy' is said to depend increasingly on capacities for innovation, knowledgegeneration and complex problem-solving -capacities attributed to university graduates with research degrees. To what extent, however, is the labor market absorbing and fully utilizing these capabilities? Drawing on data from a recent cohort of PhD graduates, we examine the correlates and consequences of qualification and skills mismatch. We show that job characteristics such as economic sector and main work activity play a fundamental and direct role in explaining the phenomenon of mismatch, experienced as overeducation and overskilling. Academic attributes operate only indirectly in explaining this mismatch, since their effect loses importance once we control for job-related characteristics. We detected a significant earnings penalty for those who are both overeducated and overskilled. Being mismatched reduces satisfaction with the job as a whole and with non-monetary aspects of the job, especially for those whose skills are underutilized. Overall, the problem of mismatch among PhD graduates is closely related to the demand-side constraints of the labor market. Increasing the number of adequate jobs and broadening the job skills that PhD students acquire during training should be explored as possible responses.

Doctoral education and employment in the regions: the case of Catalonia

“…This study is partly in line with the findings of Di Paolo and Mañé (2016), who conducted a quantitative analysis of the 2011 data from database 1. They argue that 'overall, the problem of mismatch among PhD graduates is closely related to the demand-side constraints of the labour market' (p. 432), such as the economic sector of the employer.…”

Was it worth it? A qualitative exploration into graduate perceptions of doctoral value

“…Post-PhD earning is not elevated much higher than that of Masters degree graduates, especially for women (Casey, 2009), and a share of doctorate holders take jobs unrelated to their degree or below their qualification level (Auriol, 2010). Being over-educated (doctorate not required for the role) and over-skilled (no opportunity to use doctoral skills) reduces job satisfaction dramatically (Paolo & Mañé, 2016), as well as threatening the doctorate holder's financial situation. Doctoral students also experience many stressors relating to academic pressure and workload that are sustained over a period of years.…”

“…Doctorate holders may influence what has been termed a 'spill-over effect' in organisations, helping to increase workplace productivity through shared knowledge, and enhancing reputation (Tzanakou, 2012). Negative value perceptions in this study were derived from feeling under-used or unable to apply the skills gained in their doctorates, which can decrease job satisfaction (Paolo & Mañé, 2016). Some participants described feeling like commodities, reflecting a broader view that doctorate holders are resource units in the new knowledge economy (Auriol, 2010).…”

The Effects of Job Mismatch on Pay, Job Satisfaction, and Performance

“…Consequently, more comprehensive approaches taking each type into account, aside from education mismatch, are required. Di Paolo and Mané [18] suggested a concept of genuine matching (GM) and apparent matching (AM). The phenomenon in which respondents perceive themselves as neither overeducated nor over-skilled can be explained by genuine matching (GM).…”