Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/282576 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 16449
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We use census-like data and a regression discontinuity design to study the labor market impacts of a signal provided by a government-sponsored award given to top-performing students on a nationwide college exit exam in Colombia. Students who can signal their high level of specific skills earn seven to ten percent more than identical students lacking such a signal. The signal allows workers to find jobs in more productive firms and sectors that better use their skills. The positive returns persist for up to five years. The signal favors workers from less advantaged groups who enter the market with weaker signals.
Subjects: 
signaling
skills
wage returns
awards
college reputation
Colombia
JEL: 
J20
J24
J31
J44
O15
D80
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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