In the past, everyone wanted to work at Google, Amazon, and similar companies. However, many young people now prefer crisis-proof jobs and avoid computer science. This is a significant problem for large tech companies as the workforce is getting older.
Just a decade ago, many young people wanted to study computer science. A career at major companies like Microsoft, Google, or Amazon promised not only big money but also good career prospects.
However, it seems that the career aspirations of young people are changing. The platform Handshake found in a survey (PDF file) that more and more students prefer to start their careers in other fields rather than computer science. Handshake is a company that collaborates with a network of college and employer partners.
And this is a long-term problem for companies like Google or Amazon, where the workforce is getting older.
Young people choose against lucrative jobs at tech companies and prioritize security
What is this survey about? Handshake surveyed a total of 2,687 students from 616 institutions who are planning to earn a bachelor’s degree. To determine trends in applications year-over-year, Handshake recorded full-time applications submitted by Handshake users during their respective graduation years (from August to March) in a tabular format. The availability of positions was derived from the change in the total number of jobs to which each cohort of graduating classes applied.
What does the survey say? Up to 76% of Gen Z representatives surveyed indicate that their career priorities have changed. The top priority is now job security, followed by workplace location and company reputation. High salaries and attractive office perks have taken a back seat.
Increasingly, young people seem to be turning away from computer science and previously prestigious jobs. Instead, Generation Z is more frequently choosing industries considered more stable and “crisis-resistant.” Healthcare, manufacturing, education, and construction are gaining popularity. This is also due to the fear of being replaced by AI in a technology company.
However, the public sector is experiencing the greatest increase in interest, offering predictability, a stable location, and a lower risk of sudden layoffs.
The cost of living has been rising sharply for many months. Generation Z is affected by this as well. For many, it has reached the point where job offers are even declined because they do not feel financially stable enough to take the risk of starting a new job: A part of Generation Z is forced to decline jobs for one reason: they cannot afford the costs of uniforms and travel
