Networks of "Weak"Ties of Padua University Graduates Searching for Employment

In this paper, we apply a model for the analysis of job search effectiveness through the so-called “weak ties”, i.e. the personal links through which the attainment of a work position may be favoured. We analyse weak ties with reference to the first job search by the University of Padua graduates through family, friendship and university links. To obtain a work position more coherent with a graduate’s educational investment, we analyse, too, the information about job opportunities that colleagues communicate to employed graduates. By hypothesizing that graduates use their personal links in different portions, we segment, by means of a multivariate method, the sample of graduates according to the faculty and, within faculty, according to the curricular and social characteristics of graduates.