Gen Z graduates[1] about to enter the workforce are more optimistic about finding a job, but 71 percent of recent grads now feel underemployed – a sentiment of feeling underutilised in a graduate level role - even as the proportion employed in their field of study rises, according to the 2017 UK University Graduate Employment study by Accenture Strategy on the future workforce.
“The proportion of graduates who feel that they are underemployed increased again this year – up to 71 percent, from 60 percent in 2015. Paradoxically, this is set against a backdrop of more grads being employed full-time in their field of study, up from 46 percent to 60 percent over the past 12 months,” said Payal Vasudeva, managing director, Accenture Strategy. “This highlights a need for companies to understand what motivates Gen Z graduates and provide a meaningful employee experience for them.’’
Accenture Strategy’s research shows that graduates are over three times more likely to stay with their employer for more than five years if the company invests in learning and development opportunities, and provides a personalised and fulfilling employee experience.
2017 Graduates Have Big Ambitions and Will Enter the Workforce Prepared
New grads expect full-time employment in their field of study (63 percent) and expect to have on-the-job training (54 percent), formal training (51 percent) or shadowing (46 percent) in their first job.
While they have high expectations, new grads are entering the workforce prepared to land these opportunities. Nearly 9 out of 10 new grads considered job availability before selecting a course of study, and most are showing a desire to enter fields with room for long-term growth. STEM was the most popular major this year – up 11 percentage points compared to last year (41 percent vs. 30 percent). Additionally, 82 percent of new grads who completed an internship, apprenticeship or co-op saw it lead to a job post-graduation.
New entrants to the job market are also flexible and loyal. 83 percent of new grads are willing to relocate to a different region for the right job – and it’s likely they’ll have to. For 2017 graduates, the current economy will likely have them looking in a different city for a job (39 percent), or commuting further (36 percent). After landing a job, most 2017 grads (85 percent) expect to stay at their first job for at least two years.
Grads Are Optimistic Though Underemployment Continues to Rise
While new graduates are prepared to enter the workforce, their expectations of the future do not line up with the reality experienced by recent graduates currently in the workforce. This is largely evident when considering salary. Salary expectations are ambitious for the 2017 grads compared to actual salaries of recent graduates. 85 percent of 2017 grads expect to earn more than £25,000 but only 70 percent of 2015/16 grads do.
Class of 2017 Craves Human Interaction
Recent grads also recognise the importance of human interaction and communication skills. In the workplace, two-thirds of grads (68 percent) welcome Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies, believing they will enhance their work experience. However, face-to-face is the preferred way to interact with colleagues (31 percent) followed by web tools (21 percent), social media (20 percent).
Methodology
The Accenture 2017 U.K. University Graduate Employment Study conducted an online survey in the United Kingdom of 1,001 students graduating from university in 2017 and entering the job market, and 1,001 participants who already graduated university in 2015 or 2016. The survey was conducted in January-March, 2017 to compare the perceptions of students preparing to enter the job market with the experiences of recent grads already in the workforce. All respondents are between 18 and 24 years old. For more information on the study please visit: www.accenture.com/UK2017Grads
About Accenture
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Accenture Strategy operates at the intersection of business and technology. We bring together our capabilities in business, technology, operations and function strategy to help our clients envision and execute industry-specific strategies that support enterprise wide transformation. Our focus on issues related to digital disruption, competitiveness, global operating models, talent and leadership help drive both efficiencies and growth. For more information, follow @AccentureStrat or visit https://www.accenture.com/gb-en/strategy-index.