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[References: p. 143 (10 tit.)]

This article considers the problems of young graduates seeking employment, problems made more acute by the discrepancy between supply and demand in the labour market: the shortage of qualified personnel for some sectors, of the economy and the lack of demand for young specialists with higher education degrees. The research question is intended to identify the plans and expectations of graduates from higher educational institutions on completion of their studies, assess the difficulties and possibilities of future employment, as well as the factors impeding employment according to specialization. The research is based on quantitative methodology: final year students from the arts disciplines of Tomsk high educational institutions were asked to fill in questionnaires (2017). Based on analysis of the data we identified inconsistencies and vagueness in the plans and intentions of graduates: on the one hand, respondents wanted to work according to their specialist profile, while on the other hand they intended to carry on studying, especially if this would provide them with a new profession that would lead to employment and be of more interest. One priority is the level of pay. It should be borne in mind that while studying students on Bachelor degrees are unable to define clearly why they would choose a particular profession, and many of them have only a patchy idea of working in a business. The graduate mindset is determined by uncertainty, it impacts on their self-esteem and becomes integral to their realistic possibilities and prospects in the labour market.