Dive Brief:
- Recent college graduates are more attracted to jobs in the arts, media and social services than graduates were four years ago, according to an Indeed report. Indeed's findings show job seekers just out of college are less drawn to jobs in business and finance, including roles as economists, actuaries and statisticians.
- A tighter labor market may be giving new job seekers the confidence to look for security in occupations that are less traditional but better suited to them, Indeed posited in its report. Recent graduates also showed interest in jobs in education, law, healthcare support and training and library, the report said. Occupations that made Indeed's top 10 list of those attracting new graduates between 2014 and 2018 included: graphic designer; film and video editor; marriage and family therapist; and art, drama or music teacher.
- Although recent grads were less drawn to traditionally high-paying jobs in business and finance, Indeed said the creative occupations they're drawn to pay relatively well, such as graphic designer and film and video editor, which typically pay $48,700 and $61,180 a year, respectively.
Dive Insight:
A tight labor market might be putting more workers in the driver's seat, emboldening them to choose careers based on factors other than pay. A preference for careers that are creatively and socially fulfilling could stem from workers' desires to align their personal beliefs and values with their daily work. A decline in the popularity of typically sought after careers in business and finance could mean that salary, while still important to candidates, isn't the only concern for hires fresh out of school.
Though new graduates aim high, whether or not they'll be able to land their dream job is unclear. The National Association of Colleges and Employers' 2018 Recruiting Benchmarks Survey Report found that graduates were receiving fewer job offers than in previous years. Perhaps surprisingly, the report also found that despite the decrease in job offers, graduates were still more particular about their job choices — a sign that they still have confidence in their power in the labor market.
Employers looking to fill business and financial roles, in response, might have to step up recruiting efforts and examine corporate culture. Companies that adopt corporate social responsibility initiatives or support workers seeking secondary degrees in their passion fields, for example, may come out on top.
