Transitions to Work and Higher Education: Listening to What the Graduates Have to Say

This article deals with the theme that the transition of young graduates between university and their entry to the labour market is a highly important learning experience with an embedded potential for productive development. To provide a deeper understanding of transition, the path behind and within it is analysed with a focus on employability tools. Findings are presented from qualitative empirical research on the transition experiences of University of Florence graduates (case study). These are then conceptualised through the lenses of theoretical approaches which highlight the importance of active listening as a tool for supported developmental pathways. Particular attention is paid to Beach and Doyle’s notions of ‘transition’. The article concludes with an outline of the impact that research in the field of Adult Education can have on the advice and guidance measures offered by European Universities.