We spoke with F. Valentina Cassano, Head of the Outgoing International Mobility Unit and Luisas Daniello, Head of Incoming International Mobility Unit at the Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro.

The University, through its strong commitment to internationalisation and mobility, plays a key role in promoting Erasmus+ opportunities for both students and staff. Also, in collaboration with EuGen – European Generation and within the framework of European mobility initiatives such as EU4EU, the University has supported and guided a growing number of students and recent graduates towards international experiences that strengthen their professional profiles and employability. This collaboration reflects the importance of structured cooperation between universities, mobility networks and host organisations in supporting students’ transition into the labour market.

In this interview, she shares her perspective on how graduates have evolved in recent years, the main concerns young people face when entering the labour market, the measures implemented by the University to support this transition, and the concrete impact of European programmes such as Erasmus+ on career paths.

From your perspective, how have graduates changed over the years?

Our experience shows that, compared to the past, many students today actively seek professional experience already during their studies, with the aim of strengthening their CVs before graduation.

We have observed a significant increase in participation in mobility programmes—particularly Erasmus+ Traineeships—among undergraduate students. Many of them already hold language certifications and have previous international experiences.

Today’s graduates tend to have stronger intercultural competences, a clearer orientation towards the labour market, and a high level of confidence in using digital tools. In addition, many of them experienced the Covid-19 pandemic during their studies, which accelerated their familiarity with online platforms, collaborative tools and digital learning environments.

What are the main fears young people have when approaching the labour market?

Students approaching graduation are highly motivated to gain work experience, both in Italy and increasingly abroad.

Their main concern is often the feeling of not being sufficiently prepared, particularly in terms of professional, linguistic and transversal skills.

At the same time, many are uncertain about whether to remain in their home country or pursue opportunities abroad, taking into account factors such as career prospects, economic conditions and quality of life.

Compared to previous generations, young people today also place greater importance on work–life balance. Alongside financial stability, they value flexibility, opportunities for remote work and attention to mental well-being.

How does the university support them in this transition?

In recent years, the Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro has made a strong investment in traineeship opportunities for both students and recent graduates.

Compared to the academic year 2019/2020, the number of students participating in Erasmus+ Traineeships in 2024/2025 has doubled. This reflects a long-term institutional effort to promote mobility as a key component of the educational path.

These opportunities are increasingly connected to structured European initiatives such as EU4EU, where students can access a wide network of host organisations and participate in a more transparent and efficient matching process between universities and employers.

Mobility opportunities are open to all students, regardless of their field or level of study, and are formally recognised within academic programmes, also thanks to the updated University Regulation on Erasmus+ mobility (2024).

Students are also supported in their language preparation through free e-learning courses provided by the University Language Centre, in collaboration with the Distance Learning Centre, covering five official languages.

Do European programmes contribute to improving students’ employability?

European mobility programmes, such as Erasmus+, have a clear and measurable impact on graduates’ employability, highlighting the role of European cooperation in creating structured and accessible pathways from education to employment.

In this context, initiatives such as EU4EU further strengthen this connection by facilitating direct links between students, universities and companies across Europe, making the transition into the labour market more concrete and accessible.

Students often begin with a study mobility experience and later move on to traineeships, frequently in the same destination. This continuity allows them to build on their previous experience, strengthen their understanding of the local context and facilitate their transition into the labour market.

In some cases, host institutions themselves offer traineeship opportunities; in others, students proactively use the networks and familiarity developed during their mobility to access professional opportunities abroad.

This pathway is increasingly common also among PhD candidates and specialised graduates, who—thanks to the solid academic preparation provided by the University—are highly valued by international organisations and often continue their careers abroad.

Final reflection

Based on these insights, EuGen proposes a reflection on the role of mobility in the European context.

Increasingly, for highly qualified young people trained in Italy, the most coherent, valued and better-paid job opportunities are found beyond national borders. This is the core issue of brain drain, which continues to challenge the Italian system.

However, European mobility is not only an outward dynamic. The experience of EU4EU shows how universities and organisations operate within a system of exchange, where each country acts both as a sending and a hosting context.

From this perspective, mobility becomes circular: not a loss, but a dynamic balance. When well structured and supported, it can become a concrete bridge between higher education and the labour market.

Strengthening cooperation between universities, organisations and European networks such as EU4EU—also through the work of actors like EuGen – European Generation—is essential to build more inclusive, effective and sustainable transition pathways for young people across Europe.