"The study of the links between internal and international migration has traditionally been neglected in migration research, a shortfall that is particularly pronounced within the context of the European Union (EU) and its free movement policy, which resembles internal migration in terms of human agency. This paper investigates the factors influencing migration among Spanish graduates four years after their graduation, drawing on data from nationally representative surveys to examine the temporal interconnectedness of migration and how previous experiences as student migrants affect postgraduate migratory behavior and decisions. Our analysis uncovers a significant correlation between student migration and the type of migration undertaken after graduation. Moreover, we explore the economic and social resource dependencies and the educational selectivity across different migration types, noting especially marked reliance among intra-European movers. Our results also bring to light the complementary nature of migration motivations and skill development, indicating a complex mix of factors that drive migration decisions. Despite the apparent simplicity of movement within the Schengen Area, our study emphasizes persistent regional disparities, suggesting shortcomings in EU mobility policies, particularly regarding their role in creating equal opportunities across regions. This finding suggests that a reevaluation of existing policies is necessary, providing a critical viewpoint on the actual effects of free movement within the EU.