Grads, what are you looking for in your first job? Opportunity for advancement, job security or good benefits?
According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), opportunity for personal development is the number one attribute recent graduates are looking for from a job/employer.
Nearly 20,000 graduating seniors took part in NACE’s 2011 Student Survey. Every year, NACE surveys college students on their job search, career plans, and other issues related to employment. This is the first time in three years that “opportunity for advancement” didn’t even make the top five. Before it was never further down the list than second place.
Why the change? The news release from NACE believes that the recession and tough job market plays a huge role.
“We’ve seen personal development moving up the list since the recession, suggesting that students recognize they may need to look for job satisfaction in other ways,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.
Similar results were seen from the class of 1982 when the job market was highly competitive and difficult.
Class of 2011: Top 5 Attributes of a Job/Employer
- Opportunity for personal development
- Job security
- Good insurance benefits
- Friendly co-workers
- High starting salary
Recent graduates, what are you looking for from your first job/employer? Are they similar to the survey results?
