Graduates’ Perception of Employment in SMEs and Large Enterprises
Peter van der Sijde, Padmakumar Nair, Wim During

Abstract
The present study looks at non business (n = 66) and business graduates (n = 18) and compares their employment preference in small and medium sized enterprises (SME) or large enterprises (LE). In pursuit, a questionnaire was developed measuring the perception of graduates as regards on the content of a job, compensation (and job security) and the company (and the work location). The questionnaire was administered during the Career Days (non-business students) and during a course on SME issues (business students). The general perception of the conditions of a job was seen as more favorable in SMEs. Nevertheless, a trend was observed for non-business students who were not conclusive as to their preferences. Further, the results show that there are significant differences between the two groups: business graduates prefer more interdisciplinary work and find the work conditions more important than their non-business counterparts.

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