Congruence between requirements of employers and the work experience of optometry graduates from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Abstract

<em><strong>Objective:</strong></em> To compare requirements of employers and the work experience of graduates. <em><strong>Methods:</strong></em> Using the basic model for the study of graduates proposed by the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES), two surveys were conducted, specifically adapted for optometry graduates and their employers. <em><strong>Results:</strong></em> 80% of employers request a professional degree however, only 50% of the surveyed graduates have completed their degree. Monthly salaries are an average of 11,500 pesos and there is a great demand for sales and other specific skills, but not for competence in another language. Graduates with these characteristics are satisfied with their professional recognition and salary, in addition to working independently. <em><strong>Conclusion:</strong></em> There is a concordance between the responses of graduates and employers with respect to salary both agree that salaries are below the average salary of professionals in Mexico. In order to be satisfied with their professional recognition and salary, optometrists must have an above-average salary, in addition to having a private practice, which increases their monthly income these graduates are those who pursued their degree in recent years. Thus, it is concluded that with more recent study plans, better competencies are achieved for labor insertion.