career

Report: College seniors reveal triggers for career preparedness


New 2017 research captures more than 5,000 college students' hopes, worries, and opinions about their career preparedness for the future.

Preparing students for a career post-graduation has never been more important to colleges and universities than today, thanks to national discussions about the relevancy of higher education showing no signs of slowing down. But what do students feel about their career preparedness? And what do they believe can aid in their post-grad career success?

Drawing upon the responses of more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate college students from throughout the country at both two- and four-year institutions, the survey—conducted by Hanover Research for McGraw Hill Education during March and April 2017, using an online survey—revealed the major finding that could be construed as both good or bad: fewer than half (44 percent) of college seniors feel “very prepared” for a career; though 83 percent feel at least “moderately prepared.”

These feelings of career preparedness are also dependent on a variety of factors, highlights the research, including soft skills learned, as well as career identification preparedness.

Major Findings on Student Career Preparedness

According to the report:

Interpersonal Vs. Technical Skills

The skills college seniors feel best prepare them for their post-grad careers tend to be interpersonal skills like communication abilities, and teamwork and critical thinking skills, rather than technical, presentation and networking skills.

Fulfillment is a Balance

Asked which factors would make them feel most fulfilled in their careers, students’ top three answers were: a good work/life balance, followed by attractive salary and benefits, and opportunities to learn and grow as a professional.

Overall Motivation

A plurality of students (42 percent) report that their highest priority in choosing a career is “providing a comfortable life” for themselves and their families, while fewer than 30 percent are motivated primarily by having “an impact on the world or on people’s lives.” Only 7 percent prioritized making “as much money as possible.”

Major is Still Important

83 percent of students surveyed believe they are in a major that will help them get a job.

Job Hunting

71 percent of students surveyed anticipate having a job within a year of graduation.

Career Timeline

72 percent of students surveyed plan to remain in their first job for 5 years or less; and 84 percent expect to work one job at a time after graduation.

(Next page: More nuanced student career findings based on gender; career motivations; more)

Career Identification in College Helps

Feelings of Preparedness

Students who have identified a career to pursue are more than twice as likely to feel “very prepared” for a professional career (33 percent compared to 15 percent).

Feelings of Optimism

Students with specific career aspirations are significantly more likely to feel optimistic not only about their career goals (75 percent compared to 53 percent), but are also about their future lives overall (77 percent compared to 62 percent).

Length of job search

For students with a specific career in mind, a plurality (36 percent) expect to have a job that aligns with that career before they graduate. For students who are unsure of what career they plan to pursue, a plurality (28 percent) expect their job search to last up to a year.

Women vs. Men

Prepared vs. Satisfied

Men are more likely than women (33 percent compared to 27 percent) to report that they feel “very prepared” for their careers, even though women are more likely to report that they are “satisfied” with the learning and educational aspects of their college experience (86 percent compared to 79 percent).

Technical Skills Preparedness

Women are less likely than men to report feeling “very prepared” for technical skills (49 percent compared to 58 percent), presentation skills (48 percent compared to 55 percent) and networking skills (42 percent compared to 46 percent).

Utilization of Career Resources

At the same time, some results suggest that women might be somewhat more engaged in their job search than men. They are more likely to report an intention to “often” use such on-campus resources as career advisors (28 percent compared to 21 percent), job boards (24 percent compared to 19 percent), resume support (21 percent compared to 18 percent) and interview help (19 percent compared to 16 percent).

For much more detailed findings, as well as methodology, read the full report “2017 Future Workforce Survey” here.

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