The role of flexible work in the transition from higher education into the labour market

Using data from the Norwegian Graduate Survey from 1985 to 1999, the study investigates Norwegian graduate students' entry into the labour market. The study finds that more than half of the employed graduates enter the work force via a flexible job, that is either a temporary or a part‐time job, and the proportion has increased during the period. The growth in flexible jobs can mainly be explained by their increased use within demographic groups and sectors. This implies behavioural reasons rather than structural shifts. Temporary jobs constitute the main entrance into the labour market. Flexible jobs are generally associated with a poorer match between work tasks and education compared to non‐flexible jobs, but there are also professional flexible jobs that do not adhere to this rule.