The elements graduating seniors look for in their job search seem to be changing with the economic times. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers' 2011 Student Survey, graduating seniors are searching for careers that offer the opportunity for personal development.
The survey questioned 20,000 college seniors. While personal growth topped the list of essential job elements, job security and good worksite benefits were also main concerns, according to the source.
The responses lie on sharp contrast to that of burgeoning professionals entering the job market between 2008 and 2010, when opportunities for advancement within a company were a driving factor behind job choice, according to NACE. Internal promotion was so important that it never ranked lower than second place during that time.
"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," explained executive director of NACE Marilyn Mackes.
Companies looking to attract top talent from the nation's universities should be sure to adjust their HR management systems to accommodate these shifting needs. Opportunities for learning could be incorporated into the fabric of a business' entry level positions, and both employers and staff may benefit as a result.
