The World Awaits! An Audit Study Measuring Employment Outcomes of Study Exchanges
Abstract
The following dissertation implements a résumé audit study to test whether listing a study exchange on a job application increases the likelihood of being invited to a job interview. The audit study also tests for differences in the number of job interview invitations by the study exchange location. Following this audit study, 20 interviews were conducted with employers that typically hire for white-collar occupations to understand if study exchanges signify essential qualities that make students more employable post-graduation.
According to the audit results, study exchanges provide a slight advantage during the résumé vetting stage of the hiring process for jobs that require travel. Study exchanges, however, did not differ in the number of invitations to job interviews applicants received without such requirements. Regardless of the location of the study exchange, this finding remains the same. Interviews with employers provided insight into the mechanisms underlying audit study results and how they evaluate study exchange experiences. Based on interviews, employers believe study exchanges equip students with employable skills, including adaptability, independence, and openness to new ideas. However, a company's ability to value these skills depends on activities undertaken abroad and how they relate to its operations. For example, skills earned abroad would be more useful in careers involving interacting with diverse clients. Employers also recommend that students study at a location where they can develop relevant skills for their future careers.