Class of 2023 Graduates Seek In-Person Work, Job Security

BETHLEHEM, PA—When it comes to work environment, Class of 2023 new college graduates clearly prefer to work in person rather than virtually, according to research conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Data provided by more than 2,300 bachelor’s level graduating seniors taking part in NACE’s 2023 Student Survey show that more than half (51%) said they would like to work fully in person, and another sizable chunk (42%) said they would prefer a hybrid arrangement—splitting their time between in-person and remote work. Just a handful (7%) said they want to work exclusively in a virtual environment.

“Coming off the pandemic, Class of 2023 college graduates are keenly aware of the value of personal interaction, especially since operating virtually was the norm for a sustained period of time, and the need for work/life balance,” says Shawn VanDerziel, NACE executive director.

Although the college Class of 2023 is entering a labor market characterized by record low levels of unemployment and robust hiring, new college graduates still prioritize job security when they are considering their opportunities.

“Job security is among the most important attributes new graduates consider. Their focus on this is likely the result of experiencing the impacts of the pandemic as well as more recent speculations about a recession,” explains VanDerziel.

In addition to job security, new graduates also prize friendly co-workers, the opportunity to develop job-specific and applied skills, the ability to integrate work/family responsibilities, and key benefits. (See Figure 1.)

About the 2023 Student Survey: NACE’s 2023 Student Survey was conducted from March 15, 2023, to May 19, 2023. Overall, 18,966 bachelor’s degree-level students took part; among these were 2,307 students who identified as graduating seniors. A report based on results from the survey will be available in the fall.

About the National Association of Colleges and Employers: Established in 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is the only professional association in the United States that connects nearly 11,000 college career services professionals, more than 3,600 university relations and recruiting professionals, and more than 400 business solution providers that serve this community.

NACE is the premier source of market research on career readiness, the employment of recent college graduates, and the college-to-career transition. NACE forecasts hiring and trends in the job market; tracks salaries, recruiting and hiring practices, and student attitudes and outcomes; and identifies best practices and benchmarks.

NACE offers its members unparalleled research, networking and professional development opportunities, guidance on standards and ethics, and advocacy on key issues. For more information, visit www.naceweb.org. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media.