How do college graduates go about finding a job?
They don't have to look for one-they are offered a job, and most often they have a choice.
The Soviet economy develops according to a single plan. The number of specialists needed by the country is estimated for years ahead. The state-run higher education network takes into account the estimates, which are finalised each year by the Ministries and Departments.
These final lists are sent to all colleges and state job-placing commissions. These commissions consist of representatives from the Ministries for which the given college trains specialists, and representatives of the college (the Rector, Dean, and leaders of public organisations, including those of the student self-governing body).
As a rule, the list of required specialists exceeds the number of graduates, and for the student who appears before the commission its offers are not unexpected. He knows in advance what the job will involve, the salary, living accommodations and so on. In other words the matter has already been aired and the wishes of the future employer and the graduate taken into account.
If there are openings for which there is more than one candidate, the commission in taking its decision considers the candidates' college records, including their participation in scientific research work and in social work. In such cases the recommendations of the student advisory job-placement committee tips the balance.