Elagina R.H.

Purpose. To study the perceptions of employers owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises on labor orientations of modern students. Methods. Experimental methods, documents analysis were used for collecting primary information and the analysis is based on both primary and secondary data. Results. The research, on the one hand, allowed for generalizing the perceptions of the views of representatives of small and medium-sized businesses on the orientations of students towards work, on the other hand, for formulating recommendations on the ways of interaction of universities, businesses and government to encourage the development of competencies necessary for young people for their orientation to work in small and medium-sized businesses. The research revealed that in spite of the attractiveness of the entrepreneur’s image, based on vertical mobility, self-sufficiency, material well-being and many other features the formation and development of small and medium entrepreneurship as a potential employer becomes unattractive for to-be young employees. University students do not consider private business as a guaranteed job. Scientific novelty. The employers’ perceptions of the university graduates’ orientation to work in small and medium enterprises are disclosed. The specifics of the impact of employers’ requirements factors and students’ expectations are revealed. The need for finding ways of interaction between universities and businesses is justified.