Bittmann, FelixFelixBittmann0000-0003-0802-58542019-09-192019-02-112019https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/45073The paper analyses labour market outcomes for university graduates of the STEM-fields and aims to explain causally why differences between the fields arise. Based on theoretical considerations, constructs and mechanisms are selected that could explain the relationship in detail. Regression models are run to estimate the effect of different variables on hourly income five years after graduation, job mismatch and risks of ever being unemployed. After controlling for a wide range of factors, two mechanisms (skills of graduates and occupation in the labour market) are tested. The main results are that graduates of the four fields do differ with respect to sociodemographic variables before study and self-selection effects are present. Although both mechanisms can account for some variation, a large part of unexplained variance remains even after adding all control variables. Especially graduates of the Sciences have significantly lower incomes and higher risks of unemployment than any other STEM-field. As these differences cannot be attributed to any variable included in the analyses, field of study does have an independent influence on outcomes in the labour market. The overall source of variation remains unclear and requires further investigation of mechanisms.engSTEMUnemploymentLabour marketWages300workingpaperurn:nbn:de:bvb:473-opus4-540364