Career prospects
Understanding the job market
Developing a career plan requires a clear idea of the career opportunities that exist after each course, as well as a detailed knowledge of the different sectors, the activities carried out in a given type of position and the skills required to access it. By combining both quantitative and qualitative sources of information, you will gain a precise and nuanced view of the different career paths available to you after your studies. Take the time to consult the following resources:
- Statistical information :
- Every two years, the Office Fédéral de la Statistique conducts a étude sur l’insertion professionnelle des diplômée·s des hautes écoles.The main findings are presented by field of study and concern graduates from all Swiss universities in each field. See the analyses for each field of study .
- The results specific to UNIL graduates are presented here.
- The academic career : all the information on the doctorate.
Which studies for which skills?
Some courses of study lead directly to a specific profession or to employment in a specific field (e.g. medicine, law or pharmacy).
Some courses of study lead directly to a specific profession or to employment in a specific field (e.g. medicine, law or pharmacy).
Some courses of study lead directly to employment in a specific field or to employment in a specific field (e.g. medicine, law or pharmacy).
Some courses of study lead directly to employment in a specific field or to employment in a specific field (e.g. medicine, law or pharmacy).
Degrees and diplomas from this type of pathway will most often work in a role related to the content of their studies (for example, doctor, lawyer, scientific inspector or geologist).
These professions are sometimes governed by standards set by professional associations or federal laws (requirements in terms of internships, assistantships, etc).
University studies enable students to acquire not only scientific knowledge, but also more general skills that can be applied in a variety of professional contexts. This type of study tends to develop various work tools, such as the ability to analyse, to synthesise, to think critically, and to be at ease in a variety of situations;The ability to adapt, work independently, solve problems and manage priorities. The ability to learn and manage knowledge is also important.
These general skills are not directly related to the field of study, but are sought after in various positions. They are one of the main strengths of what are known as 'generalist' streams (such as humanities or social and political sciences) where they are particularly well developed.
Graduates from engineering disciplines often move into areas of activity that are not directly related to the discipline they are studying;(for example, social science graduates who work in public administration, communications or international cooperation). As well as academic knowledge, employers will value methodological and intellectual skills. They will also pay attention to life experience and motivation, as well as to language and computer skills.
Some positions fall somewhere between these two categories, requiring both academic knowledge and other skills (e.g. teacher, journalist, etc.). Lastly, graduates from specialised fields can be found in management positions (a biology graduate can work in communications).
Keep in mind that professional integration depends on a set of skills, in the form of knowledge, know-how and interpersonal skills, whatever the field of study.
Alumni portraits
Discover the career paths of UNIL's graduates and postgraduates. Fields of activity, employment opportunities, activities during your studies: they give you their advice to make your transition à to employment easier. Information on the education, culture, communication and international cooperation sectors is also available.
Log in to Moodle to discover a wide range of courses grouped by type of activity:communication, culture, cooperation, environment, life sciences, etc. Write to centredecarrieres@unil.ch to receive your access key.
- Eric Butticaz, graduate in theology
- Camille Biner, with a degree in religious studies
- Eline Schwitzguébel, degree in law, specialising in employment law and social security
- Valentin Groslimond, law degree in magistrature (currently Master in law in judicial professions)
- Chloé Brun, graduate in public policy and management
- Fabien Leimgruber, degree in law, criminal law and information technology security
- Emmanuelle Erne, a graduate in forensic sciences, specialising in identification
- Noé Morel, graduate in criminology and security
- Alessandra Truaisch, with a degree in French, Spanish and Italian
- Maria Pedrosa, graduate in political science
- Guillaume Savary, graduate in social sciences
- Alexandra Balz, a graduate in movement and sport sciences, specialising in adapted physical activity and health.
- Fanny Gloor, degree in psychology, child and adolescent psychology major
- Rachel Pernet, graduate in counselling and guidance psychology
- Alessia Zellweger, degree in health psychology
- Romy Siegrist, graduate in clinical psychology
- Steve Cloos, master in Finance
- Benoît Mazotti, degree in environmental sciences, specialising in the analysis and monitoring of natural hazards
- Corentin Neuffer, degree in graphic design, specialising in sustainable town and country planning
- Roxanne Currat, with a degree in engineering and experimental biology (ed. note: replaced by the Master's degree in molecular life sciences)
- Léonie Egli, graduate in medical biology
- Vincent Sonnay, graduates in behaviour, evolution and conservation
- Oury Chocron, medical degree, specialising in psychiatry
NB: It is possible that these people have changed jobs since these portraits were written. To find out about their current activities or to find out more about their career paths, look for their profiles on professional social networks.
Working in teaching
Would you like to work in teaching? See our dossier on this subject.