Bachelor’s level students at the FHNW School of Business have two options for gaining extended international experience: the double degree or the exchange program. This thesis compares these programs in terms of post-graduation employability. The relatively new double degree program, which FHNW launched in autumn 2024, offers students the opportunity to complete two academic degrees from two different universities and receive two diplomas after successful completion of both institutions’ requirements. As an alternative, students can participate in the well-established exchange program.

To examine the perceived added value of double degrees and exchange programs respectively, the CareerEDGE model was identified and applied to understand key factors contributing to graduate employability. Students in these programs were surveyed at FHNW and Metropolia in Finland. Metropolia is one of FHNW’s double degree partner institutions, where I completed my double degree program. Concerning the employers’ insights, five semi-structured interviews were conducted with hiring managers and HR personnel from internationally operating companies in various business sectors in Switzerland.

The findings suggest that double degree students perceive higher employability benefits than exchange students. Nevertheless, the difference is not statistically significant. Moreover, Swiss employers did not consider double degree students more employable than exchange students. However, they provided insights into how international experience can become an advantage in the recruitment process. They advise students to apply for large, internationally operating companies and internationally oriented roles. Students should also highlight skills gained abroad in their CVs and cover letters and directly link those to the roles they are applying for. FHNW should state that international programs do not automatically lead to an advantage in the Swiss labour market, but can provide students with employers’ insights on how to leverage their experience. Finally, even if these programs do not guarantee direct employment advantages, they benefit participants’ development. Students from both groups reported greater self-awareness and an expanded international network. FHNW should share these students’ experiences to promote its international programs as a transformative personal journey.