The study of socio-demographic characteristics and professional strategies of graduate students of the Far East based on the results of a questionnaire survey

Argylov Nikita Antonovich ORCID: 0000-0003-3600-3193 PhD in Politics Researcher, Department of Ethnosociology, Institute for Humanities Research and Indigenous Studies of the North, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences 677027, Russia, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Yakutsk, Petrovsky str., 1 nik-argylov@yandex.ru

Introduction

The directions of higher education training (bachelor's and master's degrees) suggest the possibility of further development of the student at the stage of training higher pedagogical personnel – postgraduate studies. It is known from open sources about problems in the organization of higher professional education, which is an indicator of problems in the development of scientific potential in Russia. There are judgments about the poor quality of admission to graduate school, scientific leadership, as well as insufficient financial support for graduate students.

The presence of specific problems indicates systemic deficiencies. According to the researchers, "Russia is among the group of countries with low performance indicators of postgraduate programs, and the pronounced trend towards their further decline indicates the presence of systemic problems in Russian postgraduate studies" [Bagdasaryan et al., 2022: 377]. It has become traditional to talk about the crisis of postgraduate studies [Terentyev et al., 2018] and its "dysfunctionality" [Rybakov et al., 2017: 119].

In order to contribute to the creation of an analytical base for overcoming the problems of modern postgraduate studies, we conducted a questionnaire survey^[1], the purpose of which was to identify professional strategies and social well-being of graduate students of federal universities and scientific institutes in Vladivostok (Primorsky Krai) and Yakutsk (Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)) and their opinion on the state of modern scientific and professional training of highly qualified personnel.

Undoubtedly, the policy of forming centers for the training of scientific personnel, federal universities and scientific institutes of the Primorsky Territory and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) should first of all take into account current analytical data, and then prospective development. This survey, its structure and analytical results can serve as a model for conducting similar studies in other regions of our country.

The degree of development of the topic

It is worth saying that in the array of works devoted to the study of the problems of modern Russian postgraduate studies, the Far Eastern segment is extremely poorly affected. The issues of reproduction of scientific personnel in the Far Eastern region are discussed in articles by N. A. Argylov [Argylov, 2021, 2022], E. V. Krasova [Krasova, 2019], A.V. Shapieva [Shapieva, 2022], L. I. Gallyamova and V. G. Makarenko [Gallyamova et al., 2011].

A.V. Shapieva emphasizes that the last decades have been marked by a deterioration in the state of postgraduate studies in the Far East: the number of scientific personnel is decreasing, their age structure (aging of personnel) and social status are deteriorating, scientific continuity is being destroyed, and the interest of young people in scientific research has decreased. Government measures to improve postgraduate studies at both the local and federal levels have failed to reverse the negative trends noted above. The researcher notes the special relevance of these problems for the Far East: "For universities of the Far East, this problem is even more relevant, since the socio-economic situation of the macroregion, the predominantly depressed state of the economy, infrastructural constraints, difficult climatic conditions and a low level of quality of life contribute to the migration outflow of talented youth, which is one of the main constraining factors of socio-economic development development of the Far Eastern Federal District" [Shapieva, 2022: 164]. At the same time, we must not forget about the importance of improving postgraduate education in the region, given the proximity of the Far Eastern District to fast-growing Asian economies, as well as competitive national and global markets.

E. V. Krasova notes the following problems among the problems typical for training the personnel potential of Far Eastern science: 1) insufficient presence of the Far Eastern Federal District in the total number of scientists and researchers in Russia; 2) low number of research teams in the region; 3) personnel aging; 4) reduction in the number of graduate students, as well as those who successfully defended their dissertations; 5) low wage growth rates for researchers in comparison with national indicators, taking into account the simultaneous a decrease in the real purchasing power of the salary received due to the economic specifics of the region; 6) a decrease in the number of dissertation councils. According to the researcher, in the Far Eastern Federal District "there are weak external and internal incentives for the reproduction and development of the personnel potential of the Research Institute of the region" [Krasova, 2019: 189].

The rest of the research reveals problems common to Russian postgraduate studies, which, of course, are relevant to the process of training graduate students in the Far East. In some works, we find a desire to take into account the opinions of graduate students themselves in the process of developing solutions to these problems: N. V. Rybakova [Rybakov, 2018], N. B. Bagdarasyan, T.V. Valueva [Bagdasaryan, 2022], S. K. Bekova and Z.I. Jafarova [Bekova et al., 2019], I. A. Gruzdeva and E. A. Terentyeva [Gruzdev et al., 2017], G. F. Shafranova-Kutseva and G. Z. Efimova [Shafranov-Kutsev, 2012].

The discussion about the problematic aspects of postgraduate studies in Russia has a long history. However, to this day, the lack of an empirical base remains relevant, which is necessary for a more correct definition of ways to solve existing problems. The researchers are convinced that "the need for regular sociological surveys is becoming obvious, providing managers with reliable information about the life of graduate students" [Gruzdev et al., 2017: 95]. This practice is actively used abroad: "A data-based management culture is penetrating foreign universities along with the ideology of new managerialism, which involves the transfer of corporate governance practices to universities. Among them are accountability requirements and a focus on quantifiable indicators" [Gruzdev et al., 2017: 90].

Some authors note that the lack of "systematically organized empirical data" at one time largely predetermined the emergence of problematic aspects in the reform of postgraduate studies [Bedny et al., 2020: 76]. Reliable empirical data are not available on all topics related to postgraduate studies, there is no well-established system of regular and systematic static study of the situation: "It can be stated that there is no system for conducting sociological surveys of graduate students that could become a complementary part for the collected statistical information" [Gruzdev, 2017: 90]. S. V. Zhuchkova also emphasizes that "due to the lack of empirical data on postgraduate experience, it is impossible to identify and eliminate the causes of the low performance of postgraduate studies observed over the past few years" [Zhuchkova, 2021: 98]. In this context, the present study is an important link in the accumulation of the necessary statistical base.

Research methodology. General characteristics of the questionnaire

The group of respondents was selected based on the comparability of important criteria, including the ratio of gender and marital status. Other information from the survey reflects the main trends in professional and social aspects, as well as regional peculiarities related to postgraduate education. 163 graduate student respondents participated in the survey, the main characteristics of which were presented as follows:

· By gender: 55% female, 45% male;

· by age: 9% are 18-24 years old, 53% are 25-29 years old, 16% are 30-34 years old, 10% are 35-39 years old, 8% are 40-49 years old, 2% are 50-59 years old and less than 1% are 60 years old and above.

· Sample characteristics: 5;

· by gender: 5% – women, 45% – men;

· by institution: The questionnaire was sent to all scientific institutions of the FITC "YANC SB RAS", FSBI "FEB RAS" and to two universities: the Northeastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov and the Far Eastern Federal University;

· according to the form of tuition fees: 68% study on a budgetary basis, 24% on a commercial basis, and 8% on a target basis.

This article will summarize the first part of the questionnaire survey conducted by us, which contains information about the basic educational characteristics of graduate students, socio-demographic parameters of the respondents, as well as their academic and career plans.

Basic educational characteristics

Thus, the majority of respondents have a basic education in mathematics and natural sciences – 36%, and a comparable number of graduate students are also studying in this direction – 36%; 19% and 15%, respectively, in engineering; 17% and 15% – in the humanities; 17% and 23% – in fields of education and pedagogical sciences.

It should be noted that the emphasis on technical education is dictated by the sectoral structure of the Far East and Yakutia, which are significant for the regional economy.

Small quantitative discrepancies between the directions of basic education and postgraduate studies can be considered "delayed". A certain number of respondents enrolled in graduate school with a large time gap after graduation from the university. At the same time, a significant proportion of graduate students are aged 25-29 years. The years of graduation from educational institutions by our respondents are shown below.

It is important to note that the respondents are in different courses of study. Most of the surveyed graduate students (31%) are enrolled in the 1st year. The main contingent of respondents (51%) are graduate students of 2-3 years of study.

Considering the data on the university where the respondents received basic higher education, it should be noted that more than half (52%) graduated from the Northeastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov (NEFU). In general, there is a tendency to receive education at local universities and to continue postgraduate studies at the same institutions where basic higher education was obtained. At least, this is the picture of respondents who study at NEFU.

The educational institutions that the respondents graduated from are shown below.

In accordance with No. 273-FZ "On Education in the Russian Federation", the training of highly qualified personnel is carried out at the expense of budgetary funds, on a commercial basis, or represents a targeted recruitment. Thus, more than half of the respondents study on a budgetary basis (68%). At the same time, it is noteworthy that there are graduate students studying on a commercial basis (24%) and on a target basis (8%), which implies a close connection with the potential place of work for the latter.

The predominant form of postgraduate study is full–time (77% of respondents). 23% of respondents study by correspondence, respectively.

In general, the direction of higher education (basic) training determines the further direction of training highly qualified personnel with a focus on the need for training personnel important for the development of the regional economy.

The main socio-demographic characteristics

The survey data were also ranked by the sources of income of graduate students, the main of which are: salary for the main job (84%), scholarship (15%), additional work (23%), income from financial investments (less than 1%). In some cases, there may be several sources of income, and therefore in this survey it was acceptable to specify several answers.

Regardless of the form of study, graduate students earn extra money, which allows them to have additional income to the scholarship (in the case of a budget form of study).

Considering the financial situation of graduate students, it should be noted that their financial capabilities are quite modest. Thus, according to the declarative statements of the respondents, 63% of the respondents can provide themselves with food and clothing, but only 24% can afford to buy additional household appliances. 22% of graduate students provide themselves only with food, and 4% have difficulties even with food. Only 2% do not experience financial difficulties.

Of those graduate students who work in addition to studying, their predominant share works in scientific institutes (48%) and universities (6%). The fact that a significant part of graduate students work in institutes and universities confirms their motivation and focus on learning.

87% of the respondents had already worked before entering graduate school. This is due to the fact that some of the future graduate students either did not plan to continue their studies and came to this conclusion already in the process of work, or postponed admission to graduate school for personal reasons and got a job temporarily.

The majority of the respondents (53%) have a work experience of one to 5 years). As a rule, these are those who plan further studies, but for various reasons, they postpone admission to graduate school and go to work. 22% have experience from 6 to 10 years, and for them, admission to graduate school is rather a conscious choice in order to advance their work: both in the scientific and educational environment, civil service, etc., and in the field of the manufacturing sector. 12% of the respondents have at least 16 years of experience and, having extensive practical experience, often undergo training for subsequent teaching at the university, as well as for solving production tasks during dissertation research.

The range of fields of industrial activity of future graduate students is diverse, but scientific institutions dominate – 22% of respondents, as well as 7% – institutions of higher education. Such graduate students, as a rule, are focused on postgraduate studies for subsequent work in the scientific and educational field. 14% worked in the manufacturing sector, and it is logical to assume that postgraduate studies will help them in their career growth.18% worked in the catering industry and 12% in the service sector, i.e. in areas that are traditionally focused on part-time work for young people (flexible working hours, pay at the end of the shift, etc.).

Marital status of respondents: married (legal and civil) – 50% and those who are single / unmarried / divorced – also 50%. The survey data show that the presence or absence of marriage does not affect the desire and opportunity to study in graduate school in any way.

Only 37% of the respondents have children, but it is quite difficult to objectively interpret this factor, given that more than half of the survey participants are quite young (aged 25-29 years) and have not yet had children at that age.

22% of the respondents have one child each, confirming the general trend of fertility in the country. 9% of respondents have two children each. At the same time, about 6% have 3 or more children, and probably have the status of large families.

An important aspect of postgraduate studies is the work on a dissertation research. The process of writing a dissertation is quite laborious and requires a lot of time. Research shows that the majority of respondents (58%) devote less than 30% of the time recommended for dissertation research; 15% of respondents devote more time to preparation and 15% have not yet started research.

Academic and career plans

Considering academic plans for the future, it is worth noting that the vast majority of graduate students (67%) plan to graduate with the subsequent defense of their dissertation. 17% will not defend their research work, and 11% have not yet decided on a choice.

Analyzing the career plans of the interviewed graduate students, it can be concluded that 31% of respondents plan to work in higher education (or are already working), while 29% in the field of science and technology. Consequently, the majority of students in graduate school realize the task of training scientific personnel for the educational and scientific system. But at the same time, 40% do not plan to link their future with science (20% of them are completely uncertain about choosing a future profession).

It is noteworthy that 63% of respondents plan to live and work in their "own" region, and 16% of respondents want to leave, but do not have such an opportunity.

The vast majority of graduate students plan to complete postgraduate studies with the subsequent defense of their dissertation work. The career plans of the majority of respondents are indicated in the field of higher education, as well as in the field of science and technology, but at the same time about 40% do not plan to link their future with science. It is important to note that more than half of the respondents plan to live and work in their "own" region.

Conclusions

Our survey showed that postgraduate studies in the educational and scientific institutions we reviewed have a quantitative advantage in favor of natural sciences and technical sciences. The respondents mostly prefer to receive higher education in regional universities and continue their studies in postgraduate studies at the same educational institutions. Most often, graduate students receive training at budget places, having full-time education as a priority. Most graduate students are childless. Half of the respondents are married, the same number are divorced or single (unmarried).

As a source of income, the bulk of the respondents have a salary for their main job (taking into account the possibility of combining it with a scholarship and salary for additional work). Most of the respondents combine work and study, a significant part of them worked before entering graduate school. The income level of graduate students allows most of them to provide themselves with food and clothing, but in addition, for example, less than half of this group can buy the necessary household appliances. A significant percentage of graduate students can only provide themselves with food. Only 2% of the respondents noted that they do not experience financial difficulties.

A significant number of graduate students plan to complete their studies and then defend their dissertation. Considering the problems of modern postgraduate studies, it is worth noting that a fairly significant percentage indicated a lack of intention to defend the final qualifying work or a lack of certainty in this regard. It is noteworthy that a significant number of graduate students do not want to link their future with science or do not have clear intentions in this regard. Most of the respondents do not plan to move to another region: many of them openly wish to continue their work in their "own" region, while some of them are forced to do so.

Our survey identified the socio-demographic characteristics that need to be taken into account when planning to improve the effectiveness of postgraduate education in the Far East and in Russia. The problematic aspects of the social well-being of graduate students noted by us, on the one hand, confirm the judgments of researchers about the typical difficulties of students in graduate school. On the other hand, in our opinion, there is a positive potential in graduate schools in the Far East, which can be used as a sure start to improve postgraduate education. So, our conclusions are substantially consistent with the results of the study, which A.V. Shapieva speaks about (it was conducted in 2021-2022 on the basis of Zabaikalsky State University): "... the presented analysis shows that the Far East faces a serious challenge... At the same time, educational organizations of higher education in the Far Eastern Federal District have significant potential..." [Shapieva, 2022: 175]. The continuation of our work should be the correlation of the data obtained during the survey with statistical studies of the state of Russian postgraduate studies in general and in certain regions.

^[1] The questionnaire is available at: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Hfk_qw_hXkKxdztFSK27Ybn_evgvSvJPjK58o9KhRztUN1VNVzNESjZETVFaUU5FUjQ5VkFZOVhCUi4u