A study examined the extent to which Finnish horticulture graduates' assessments of their work force competencies differ from those of their teachers and employers. Questionnaires were sent to all 68 plant production graduates of the University of Helsinki's plant production program from 1990-1993, a sample of 38 employers representing agricultural occupations, and 5 Division of Plant Production faculty members. Forty (65%) of the graduates, 25 (66%) of the employers, and all 5 faculty members completed questionnaires. The graduates rated their content-based competencies as quite good; however, many admitted needing better communication, language, and computer skills. Eighty-two percent of the graduates thought the university curriculum placed too much emphasis on transferring facts instead of on developing analytic and problem-solving skills. The employers considered applicants' personal qualities most important when choosing new employees. The employers agreed that the graduates' content-based knowledge was quite good and also considered them fairly competent in languages and mathematics/statistics. Overall, the competencies prized by employers were more comprehensive than the formal qualifications delivered by higher education. Although the faculty members regarded knowledge as very important, they also realized the importance of many other skills in the work force. (Contains 38 references.) (MN)