Class of 2024 College Grads Seek Jobs Offering Economic Security—Just Like Their 2014 Counterparts

BETHLEHEM, PA—New college graduates are clear about what they are looking for in a job and in an employer: economic security tops their wish list, according to a new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Among the nearly 2,300 bachelor’s degree level graduates taking part in NACE’s annual student survey, economic security is defined as job stability, annual salary increases, and a good benefits package—featuring a company-matched 401k and employer-paid health insurance. These were the top attributes they cited in their dream job. (See Figures 1 and 2.)

Those preferences are not so different from what earlier classes cited as important, according to Shawn VanDerziel, NACE president and chief executive officer.

“Job security and good benefits were high on the wish list for the college class of 2014,” he says. “In fact, over the years, new college graduates have consistently identified health insurance, 401k plans, and annual salary increases as important. In general, those who are starting their careers are looking for a measure of security and support.”

But, says VanDerziel, there is at least one glaring difference between the current crop of graduates and those who entered the workforce a decade ago.

“Pre-pandemic, where you performed your job wasn’t even a thing for most people,” notes VanDerziel. “Now, new graduates are considering their options.”

Class of 2024 graduates are split about their workplace preferences: Slightly more than half (51%) want to work exclusively in-person, while 43% prefer a hybrid work environment, i.e., spending some portion of their work time in the employer’s formal setting and some in a virtual environment.

“Very few want to work exclusively in a virtual environment,” notes VanDerziel. “That’s not surprising: Those new to the job want to establish themselves as valuable employees and build relationships with their colleagues. The perception is that it’s easier to make those connections if you are in the office at least part of the time.”

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To arrange an interview with Shawn VanDerziel: Contact Kevin Gray, 610.625.1039

About NACE’s 2024 Student Survey: NACE’s 2024 Student Survey, sponsored by Indeed, was conducted March 13 through May 15, 2024; a total of 20,482 college students took part, including 2,281 graduating seniors earning bachelor’s degrees. This release is based on the responses of those graduating seniors.

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 12,300 college career services professionals, more than 4,000 early career talent acquisition 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 naceweb.org. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media.