This paper addresses the misbalanced rapport between the “trendy” university supply during the last decade in Albania (political science and international relations) and the real demand of the labor market. The massive stride towards these professions was made without having quality counseling information on their perspectives and employment opportunities. Public and university institutions preferred the quantity and appearance of the studies, considering the quality supply and the studies’ content as secondary. Part of this study are tests carried out on 4-5 generations of “trendy” sciences alumni, who have completed their studies and have been facing the labor market for several years. The conclusions of this test, which was carried out for the first time in Albania, constitute valuable information for the public, universities, youth and their families.
Considering the above-mentioned phenomenon as a transition phenomenon taking place in the majority of former communist countries, this study puts forward experiences and makes comparisons and concrete suggestions for the Albanian case. Its thesis supports the slogan: “professions, no diplomas”, and suggests pursuing studies in technology, information technology, natural sciences, service sector domains etc.Through the current balance and successful models applied in any other country similar to Albania, this study emphasizes the responsibility for a long-term career orientation program for the youth in making their profession choice, and a university system moving towards the long-term labor market needs in the country. It concludes by stating that this process requires an essential reformation of the public information system, an active and public partnership between university institutions and potential actors in the labor market, as well as periodic public reports that analyze the developments, expectations, suggestions and tendencies in the future decades.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Political Sciences, as a profession and misunderstanding
3. The main results of the survey
3.1 The problems of Political studies in Albania during 2000-2013
3.2 Employment in the profession in minimal quotas
3.3 The benefit of studies, political involvement and studying recommendations
4. A different experience: the case of Germany
5. Obstructive factors in the profession and the belief in the perspective
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the significant imbalance between the surge in "trendy" university degrees in political science and international relations in Albania and the actual requirements of the labor market. The study aims to investigate why a massive increase in student enrollment occurred without corresponding career opportunities or quality counseling, and how this trend has affected graduates' employment prospects and professional development over the last decade.
- The evolution of political science education in post-communist Albania.
- The discrepancy between academic supply and labor market demand.
- Empirical analysis of alumni career experiences and professional outcomes.
- Comparative insights from the German academic and professional model.
- Structural recommendations for higher education and labor market reform.
Excerpt from the Book
Political Sciences, as a profession and misunderstanding
Political Sciences are a new and fragile studying field in Albania. Due to the tradition in the political and civil behavior, politicization and importance of politics in our everyday life, there has been a misunderstood impression that politics is profitable, easy and trend for the next decades. Professor Moran in the University of Sheffield says that Political Sciences have become a respectful profession, a determination which the main figures of this field give to themselves and their profession. He also talks about the new global crises and says that Political Sciences have the responsibility to do something to solve it because ‘’the crises, is its crises too’’. (Moran 2014). Other authors have also appealed for reflection in the circumstances of this crisis of democracy and belief, especially on the aspect of studying new systems of government and critical discussion on the role of Political Sciences in the future. (Walk 2009).
Seeing Political Sciences as a part of studies and responsibilities, researchers share the same opinion on the professional explanation on the concept of Political Sciences and their content. In the case off Albania, one of the authors of the only book in Albanian, on the concept of Political Sciences writes that, as an academic discipline Political Sciences are organized into five fields (and a subdivision on which special courses are organized).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter outlines the structural and legal reforms in the Albanian education system that led to the sudden proliferation of political science and international relations programs following the communist era.
Political Sciences, as a profession and misunderstanding: The author explores the misconception that political science is an easy and highly profitable path, contrasting local perceptions with the professional responsibilities defined in Western academic frameworks.
The main results of the survey: This section presents findings from a 2014 survey of alumni from the University of Tirana, focusing on their grade performance, employment challenges, and overall satisfaction with their degrees.
The problems of Political studies in Albania during 2000-2013: This segment analyzes the chronological evolution and quantitative growth of study programs, highlighting the lack of consistency and quality control during the transition period.
Employment in the profession in minimal quotas: This section details the harsh reality of the labor market, where a vast majority of political science graduates are either unemployed or working in fields unrelated to their degree.
The benefit of studies, political involvement and studying recommendations: The author evaluates the disillusionment among students and discusses the low rates of political party engagement among political science graduates.
A different experience: the case of Germany: This chapter contrasts the Albanian situation with the German model, where political science graduates find more diversified employment opportunities in various public and private sectors.
Obstructive factors in the profession and the belief in the perspective: This chapter identifies the core barriers to success, specifically pointing to the disconnect between university curricula and labor market needs, as well as the prevalence of nepotism.
Conclusion: The study concludes by calling for essential reforms, including higher academic standards, better public information, and stronger partnerships between universities and the labor market to ensure a sustainable future for the profession.
Keywords
political science, labor market, university supply, university counseling, education reform, Albania, higher education, employment, academic curriculum, public policy, graduate outcomes, professional development, social sciences, political elite, transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the disconnect between the rapid expansion of political science and international relations degree programs in Albania and the limited capacity of the labor market to absorb these graduates.
What are the primary themes discussed in the study?
The main themes include university education policy, the impact of the transition from a communist to a market economy, the quality of higher education, and the professional integration of students.
What is the central research question?
The study asks why there has been an overproduction of political science degrees in Albania without adequate information on career perspectives and why the university system has failed to align with actual labor market needs.
Which methodology does the author use?
The author combines institutional analysis of university programs from 2000 to 2013 with empirical data gathered from a survey conducted among 98 alumni of the University of Tirana.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The work covers the evolution of the curriculum, results from student surveys, the challenges of employment, a comparative look at the German academic model, and systemic obstacles such as political connections and nepotism.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include political science, labor market, university supply, education reform, Albania, and professional development.
How does the author characterize the "golden age" of political studies in Albania?
The author describes it as a period of rapid, unprogrammed quantitative growth where political science became a "trendy" field of study, largely disconnected from practical labor market realities.
What specific criticism does the author level against Albanian universities?
The author criticizes the lack of quality standards, the existence of "fictitious" doctorate programs, and the persistent failure to create meaningful, practical linkages between academic training and modern job requirements.
What role does the German experience play in this paper?
The German case serves as a successful comparative model, demonstrating how high-quality training and clear professional profiling can lead to better integration of political scientists into diverse sectors like lobbying, media, and state administration.
What does the author suggest to solve these systemic issues?
The author proposes a comprehensive reform involving the state, university institutions, and the private sector to improve educational quality, enforce stricter accreditation, and implement long-term career orientation programs for students.
- Quote paper
- PhD Afrim Krasniqi (Author), 2014, The profession of political science scholars in Albania. Experiment and uncertainty about the future, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/273793
