In recent days, a hearing on graduates who have studied abroad was proposed in the Milli Majlis (National Assembly). According to the deputy, thousands of young people have returned to the country after studying abroad, and their employment locations, sectors of activity, and contributions to the country's development must be seriously analyzed.
What structural or legislative changes are needed to more actively involve graduates in the public sector and scientific-educational institutions?
According to Gunay Akbarova, a member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education, who gave a statement to AzEdu.az on the topic, in many countries around the world, graduates who have studied abroad are not merely viewed as “returning youth” but as strategic human capital:
"However, in our country, the main discussion should still focus not so much on where they work, but on why they cannot fully and effectively integrate into the system.
Firstly, it should be noted that the absence of a unified and functional database for graduates who have studied abroad creates a serious gap. Who studied where, what qualifications and skills they possess, and in which sector they currently work. These indicators should become a key tool not just for statistics, but for the state's personnel and development policy. In many countries, planned personnel placement in the public sector, scientific-educational institutions, and strategic areas is carried out based on this information."
The main problem in planning study abroad programs is their complete misalignment with the real needs of the labor market:
"Sometimes, specialties considered prestigious are chosen, but the areas the country needs remain in the shadows. However, successful models in global practice are based on long-term labor market forecasts, and areas where personnel shortages are anticipated are identified in advance. For students sent abroad by state order, real opportunities for activity in specific sectors, regions, or projects are created upon their return. The “study, return, and find your own way” approach is no longer considered effective.
At the same time, not only state institutions but also higher education institutions and the private sector should be involved in the preparation of these programs. Which skills are practical and in which areas the demand for personnel is increasing is more accurately determined by the market itself. Without this cooperation, even the best diplomas can lose their real impact.
Consequently, graduates who have studied abroad are a ready and valuable resource for the country. However, for this resource to function effectively, a correct structure, transparent mechanisms, and planning aligned with needs are essential. Otherwise, great potential is lost within the system. A properly established model, however, can make a real and measurable contribution to improving the quality of education, developing scientific research, and forming new approaches in public administration. The issue is not so much where young people work, but where and how the country opens doors for them."
