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GRADUATION INTERVIEW ▼

Skill Mismatch: Measurement, Determinants and Consequences

AN INTERVIEW WITH STEPHAN BISCHOF

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SHORT PROFILE
 

Name: Stephan Bischof
Field: Sociology
Dissertation: Skill Mismatch: Measurement, Determinants and Consequences

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Our doctoral member Stephan Bischof has recently successfully completed his dissertation. In his graduation interview, he provides insights into his dissertation on the topic of Skill Mismatch: Measurement, Determinants and Consequences

 

// What drew you to your dissertation topic and what interests you most about it?

S.B.: Even before embarking on my dissertation, I held a keen interest in labour market topics, particularly the factors influencing individuals' success in this arena.

With the increasing digitization of the labor market and a growing shortage of skilled labour, the matching of individuals to suitable jobs has become increasingly crucial. I was excited to address the topic of skill mismatching in detail and to examine different relevant aspects in four studies in my cumulative dissertation. What struck me most about the topic of skill mismatching was the importance of selecting appropriate measurements and the profound impact that skill deficits and surpluses can have on individuals in the labour market.

 

// Can you give us a small sneak peek about the findings of your thesis?

S.B.: In my dissertation, I analysed the measurement, determinants and consequences of individuals' skill mismatches in the labour market. Through my research, I've demonstrated that different measurement approaches can yield divergent conclusions, emphasizing the need to consider a broad spectrum of skills relevant to the labour market—such as ICT, science, and reasoning—in addition to reading and mathematics skills.

Moreover, I've found that the risk of skill mismatches varies across educational levels, with individuals possessing more vocationally specific education facing lower mismatch risks.

Regarding the consequences of skill mismatches, significant disparities exist among individual skill domains. For instance, mismatches in ICT skills are associated with considerably higher wage losses or gains compared to other skills. Furthermore, surpluses in ICT skills may offset wage penalties resulting from deficits in other skills, underscoring the pivotal role of ICT skills in today's labour market.

Additionally, my research reveals that the impact of skill mismatches on job satisfaction is contingent on individuals' subjective perceptions. Objectively mismatched individuals only experience lower job satisfaction if they subjectively perceive themselves as mismatched, whereas subjectively mismatched individuals show lower job satisfaction irrespective of being objectively mismatched or not.

 

// What did you enjoy most about your time at the Graduate School?

S.B.: I enjoyed engaging with other doctoral students and participating in seminars, colloquia, and additional training courses. I greatly benefited from the assessments and feedback provided during the colloquia. Additionally, I found the career information shared during the LIfBi/BAGSS Lunchtime Career Talks to be particularly enriching.

 

// What is the next step in your career?

S.B.: Right after completing my dissertation and my time at the LIfBi in Bamberg, I started a new postdoc position at the Federal Institute for Population Research in Wiesbaden.