FORMER STUDENTS OF THE PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY AT PUC MINAS: A PORTRAIT OF THEIR TRAINING AND CAREER

Abstract

This article presents some data from a research study carried out through a partnership between professors and students, in the scientific initiation modality, at the Faculty of Psychology of PUC Minas. The investigative practice aimed to understand the path taken by former students (alumni) of the Psychology courses at PUC Minas towards the insertion and construction of professional identity. The first methodological movement consisted of a systematic literature review that focused on studies about graduates of Higher Education, highlighting the production in the area of ​​Psychology. Subsequently, a Field Study was carried out operationalized through the application of a virtual questionnaire, with closed items and open questions, to Fapsi graduates who completed their undergraduate degree between 2015 and 2021, reaching 59 respondents. Through the review, research was compiled that, in general, examined how graduates perceive their education (quality and biases) and the transition to the job market. The results indicate that the difficulties encountered by graduates sometimes converge, sometimes diversify, highlighting the lack of practical activities offered by some institutions during their education and the importance of contact networks for professional insertion. As for the graduates of Fapsi PUC Minas, these were not the challenges. On the contrary, through Content Analysis, it was observed that the group of informants found it somewhat easier to start their careers, despite the complaints made by some regarding what they point out as the devaluation of the area. However, the vast majority gained their first professional experiences shortly after obtaining their degree, having experience in the desired/preferred areas. Among other aspects, the participants' arrival at the University, the academic and complementary activities they were able to get involved in, the continuity of their studies and future projects were also discussed.