Q COSTARICA — A study by the Observatorio Laboral de Profesiones (OLaP) del Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE)— Labor Observatory of Professions of the National Council of Rectors, revealed that 68.5% of university graduates in Costa Rica, between 2020 and 2022, were the first in their families to earn a university degree.
The results were released on Tuesday, June 2, during the presentation of the sixth report, “Monitoring University Graduates 2020-2022 from Costa Rican Universities.”
The research highlighted the prominent role of the public education system, as 78.6% of graduates completed their secondary education in public schools.
One of the report’s findings is the graduates’ interest in continuing their education after completing university.
Thus, 76.7% of those who obtained a university degree between 2020 and 2022 continued their studies afterward, reflecting a trend toward professional development and strengthening skills to face the job market.
Artificial Intelligence on the Rise
The research also reveals the accelerated incorporation of technological tools in professional practice.
More than half of the graduates, specifically 56.5%, indicated using artificial intelligence solutions in their daily work.
Among the most used applications are chatbots, data analysis systems, and virtual assistants—technologies that have become increasingly common resources in the workplace and in academic settings.
English Remains a Competitive Factor
The report also confirms the continued relevance of English language proficiency in professional development.
74.4% of graduates reported having knowledge of this language, with the upper-intermediate level (B2) being the most frequent among those who indicated proficiency, according to the study.
The report also indicates that the main ways to acquire these language skills are through specialized courses and self-study.
The results of the Labor Observatory of Professions allow us to identify some of the main trends that characterize graduates of higher education.