Most college graduates do not expect to stay long in their first job, according to a survey by Right Management. More than 350 graduates were surveyed by Right Management about their job hunting and career plans. Fifty-nine percent expect to remain in their first position for just three years or less. Another 29 percent expect it will be no longer than five years. Only 11 percent expect to stay for more than five years.
"Young people tend to job hop, which is nothing really new," said George P. Herrmann, executive vice president for the Americas with Right Management. "Recent grads are anxious to move forward and get as much experience as they can as quickly as possible. Employers who want to hold onto them have to provide career-stretching and development opportunities in return for their performance and loyalty."
Compared with college graduates surveyed in 2009 by Right Management, this year's graduates are less optimistic about finding a job they like and also felt less prepared to start a job search.
The graduates were asked what factors are most important to them when considering employment. Development ranked first (77 percent), followed by good rapport (72 percent), and work/life balance (68 percent). Cited by just 31 percent of the graduates, compensation was among the least important.
Source: Right Management; www.right.com.