The academic production of graduates in postgraduate higher education institutions of Mexico

The knowledge society has marked a transition from industrial economies to knowledge-based economies characterized by investment in education, training, and research and development. In order to determine to what extent the exit pathway of graduates is distinguished by their academic productivity, we analyze the pathways and professional profiles of graduates based on their academic production, as well as satisfaction with the skills acquired, the educational program and the institution. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the degree to which the career paths of graduates depend on their academic production. Data were collected on eighteen Mexican universities and higher education institutions for the period 2006-2013. It was found that 13.3% of graduates have academic production; 12.9% of their production is registered as intellectual property; and 10.5% have participated in research projects, disseminated knowledge through conferences, presentations, and workshops in academic events, collaborated with colleagues and belongs to the National System of Researchers in Mexico. Moreover, 51.7% have given classes and 50.9% have directed theses. These results show that postgraduate training is determined by scientific competencies.