Uncovering Europe’s Hidden Talent
Europe is rich in talent. But it has a recognition problem, as many of us are overqualified, especially if we move to another EU country.
This becomes more visible when considering 40% of highly educated non-EU citizens in the EU have been overqualified for their jobs
Even in major economies like Spain, Italy, and Greece, this number can exceed 60%.
What “Over-Qualification” Means
A Eurostat study, conducted between 2014 and 2024, defines over-qualification as the situation in which a person holds a tertiary degree but works in a low- or medium-skilled job, such as retail, cleaning, or manual labor. It’s not about a temporary mismatch – it’s about structural barriers that prevent highly skilled migrants from putting their education and experience to work.
Why This Matters
When skilled people find a way to work in jobs that fit their potential, there are several challenges that this helps to overcome
- Individuals can find better-paid jobs, grow their careers, and nurture their well-being.
- Businesses that struggle with the skills gap benefit from highly qualified and diverse professionals,
- The labor market thrives with happy people creating value for the economy.
How DIAMOND Is Making a Difference
The ᴱGROW Index is DIAMOND’s innovative response to help people with person-centered micro-credentials and provide skill forecasts.
By improving their skills, people can unlock their hidden talent and find strategies to find their dream jobs.
Source: Eurostat, Migrant integration statistics – over-qualification
Funding Agency: European Research Executive Agency (REA)
