Many recent college graduates may be giving their career goals second billing when it comes to their job search. That is because 57 percent of college students surveyed by Kelton Research stated that it was more important to get a job that offers health insurance and other employee benefits than to do work that they enjoy.
The poll, conducted in April, surveyed both current collegians and recent graduates who are already in the workforce. Those who already held steady employment agreed with the undergraduate sentiment. Of the employed graduates polled, 49 percent ranked worksite benefits above job enjoyment, Kelton Research reports.
Health insurance was singled out as the most important employee benefit. Access to medical care was equally important to both graduates and students, with 38 percent of undergraduates and 39 percent of working alumni stating that a job offer that did not include health insurance benefits would not be considered, according to the source.
While healthcare coverage is clearly important to young job-seekers, the survey also found that many of the young adults polled may have unrealistic expectations when it comes to employee benefits. Most students – 80 percent – expect to get health insurance with their first post-graduation job, according to the source. In a market where benefits and salaries are being scaled back, this may not be possible for many.
