Top fields of study in Poland: High earning potential for graduates

A new report from Personnel Service has identified the fields of study with the best financial prospects for graduates in Poland, highlighting that earnings in certain disciplines can surpass the national median by as much as two and a half times. Notable fields include IT, medicine, management, and psychology.

According to the report, based on data from the Economic Loss of Graduates of Higher Educational Schools (ELA) monitoring system, the median gross wage in Poland as of April this year was PLN 6,500. However, graduates in high-demand areas can earn significantly more right after completing their studies.

The IT sector continues to see robust demand, particularly in key specializations such as programming, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. For instance, graduates from the University of Wrocław report starting salaries of nearly PLN 16,000 gross, while other universities see average earnings between PLN 9,000 and PLN 12,000. In data analysis, graduates from the Warsaw School of Economics can expect earnings of PLN 8,000 to PLN 10,000 right after graduation.

In corporate finance management and financial analytics, the demand for qualified professionals is also high. Graduates from Kozminski University in Warsaw earn approximately PLN 10,000 gross, while other institutions yield average salaries of PLN 6,000 to PLN 8,000.

Management studies are increasingly valued as companies in Poland invest in technology-driven strategies. Graduates from Jagiellonian University earn up to PLN 9,500 gross, though average salaries from other universities are lower.

The environmental sector is gaining traction, driven by climate change and sustainable development needs. Graduates in environmental protection and renewable energy technologies are finding opportunities in energy companies and research institutions. For example, environmental law graduates from the Higher School of Ecology and Management in Warsaw earn around PLN 6,500 gross, aligning with the national median, while those in environmental engineering at Koszalin University of Technology can expect salaries exceeding PLN 8,200 gross.

The health sector has faced a significant demand for skilled workers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical graduates typically earn around PLN 6,500 gross, while nursing graduates can secure over PLN 10,000 gross, with physiotherapists earning approximately PLN 6,000 gross.

Psychology graduates are also in demand, with opportunities in therapeutic roles, HR departments, and business consultancy. Graduates from SWPS in Warsaw can expect starting salaries of around PLN 7,000 gross.

Krzysztof Inglot, founder of Personnel Service, emphasized the importance of aligning career choices with personal interests and market trends. “Choosing a field of study should consider both passion and the potential for growth. This approach minimizes the risk of employment difficulties after graduation,” he said.

Personnel Service specializes in HR solutions, including recruitment and staffing for IT and medical sectors, focusing on connecting employers with talent from Ukraine.

Source: Personnel Service and ISBnews