Uptree

Reflecting on the results from our 2023 Student Survey, we explain how students feel about their future careers and jobs. Our research and knowledge about students showcases to employers what Generation Z will be looking for from them and helps them understand their career aspirations and what they can do to support them.

We’ve noticed a shift in preferences for post-secondary education. Compared to the previous year, we saw a 6% decrease in students interested in planning for university. At the same time, there is an 11% increase in the number of students within our network who plan to pursue apprenticeships. These results could offer valuable insights for employers looking to attract and nurture the upcoming talent pool.

Industries of interest

The results of the survey indicate a significant level of interest amongst students in a diverse range of industries. We found that 47% of the respondents are interested in business, finance, and professional services, whilst 42% expressed interest in STEM fields. Additionally, 31% of respondents revealed interest in pursuing a career in law, while 22% expressed an interest in marketing, media, and creative industries. The survey also found that 9% of respondents are interested in pursuing a career in pharmaceuticals, whilst 8% show an interest in the insurance sector.

These findings highlight the need for a range of opportunities to be offered to students to ensure they can pursue their career interests and aspirations. We advise companies to keep an active presence in schools and find an accessible way to share information about their organisation and industry.

Motivations for choosing a career

The recent survey has also revealed some intriguing insights into the motivations of students when it comes to choosing their career paths.

According to the findings, the primary reason (72%) for a young person to pursue a career in a particular industry is because they feel their talents and passions align. Additionally, 57% of respondents cited meaningful work as a key factor in their decision-making process, whilst 56% identified competitive pay as a major consideration.

Interestingly, only 46% of respondents stated that the variety of jobs available in an industry played a role in their decision-making, and 38% felt it was important to see creativity and innovation being encouraged. Whilst these findings suggest that students are primarily motivated by personal alignment and meaningful work, they also highlight the importance of competitive pay as a factor in attracting and retaining early talent.

Students today want meaningful careers that align with their passions and encourage innovation. We advise employers to foster personal and professional progression by demonstrating how they support new employees, and openly discuss the available pathways for Early Careers talent in order to attract and retain young talent.

Interestingly, only 46% of respondents state that the variety of jobs available in an industry played a role in their decision-making, and 38% feel it was important to see creativity and innovation being encouraged. Whilst these findings suggest that students are primarily motivated by personal alignment and meaningful work, they also highlight the importance of competitive pay as a factor in attracting and retaining early talent.

Students today want meaningful careers that align with their passions and encourage innovation. Uptree encourages employers to foster personal and professional progression by demonstrating how they support new employees, and openly discuss the available pathways for Early Careers talent in order to attract and retain young talent.

Lack of industry knowledge

The results of the survey suggest that students have the least knowledge about the insurance industry, with 27% of respondents indicating a lack of familiarity with available careers in that field. Pharmaceuticals came in at a close second, with 24% of respondents admitting to limited knowledge of job opportunities in that industry. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) followed at 14%, while marketing, media, and creative fields came in at 16%, and law at 11%. The business and finance sector came in last at 7%.

While it is understandable that certain industries may be less familiar to students based on their interests and experiences, it is crucial for them to explore various career paths and understand the opportunities available to them. As the job market continues to evolve, having a diverse range of knowledge and skills can be advantageous in securing long-term career success.

Employers can focus on educating students about their industry to support their future talent pipelines in a variety of ways, whether creating student-friendly content or running events at their company.

Career plans

Our survey found that 42% of the students identified parents as the primary influence on their career decisions, 40% of the respondents reported that role models and teachers have significant impact on their career plans, and only 18% of young people identified friends and ‘other influences’ and their primary career influencers.

We encourage employers to guide parents as they have a huge influence on students' decisions after school and college and to make sure that they are familiar with the advantages of apprenticeships. It is also imperative for companies to increase their brand and industry awareness as apprenticeships are still considered an alternative pathway.

Career prospects: Concerns about experience and clarity

“I am unsure what I will do in the future and quite nervous.” - Student, 2023

The results of our survey demonstrate that many students are uncertain about their career prospects, struggling to find the necessary experience and clarity. Our student survey last year underlined the strong influence of the pandemic and that it has taken a heavy toll on the mental well-being of students. Unfortunately, students are still unsure about their future careers and raise concerns about their futures. Career guidance programmes play a crucial role in helping students manage their anxiety and uncertainty. Employers can support them by providing more opportunities for students to experience and understand the world of work, such as career events with motivational speakers from their company, speaking about career opportunities within the organisation.

Concluding tips

In the light of the survey findings, students need diverse career opportunities that align with their passions and offer a clear pathway for their professional development. Here are some concluding tips from us:

• Today, students look for self-growth within the workplace. Promote personal and professional development in order to engage, inspire, attract and retain young talent.
• Raise awareness of your apprenticeship programmes by educating parents as well as young people about the benefits of your schemes.
• Use bite-sized lessons to educate students on the career opportunities available to them and shed a light on the industry.
• Demonstrate how your company fosters a sense of belonging, creates a meaningful work space and supports employee wellbeing.

Contact the Uptree team to discuss how we could support your organisation with promoting Early Careers opportunities to a diverse future talent pool of students.