What Recent College Grads Want From Their Jobs

What Do 2024 Grads Want from Their Employers?

As winter 2023 and spring 2024 college grads begin entering the workforce it’s important to stay up-to-date on what the new generation is looking for in a job. These graduates are part of Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012 (roughly, though some opinions on the time span may vary). It’s important to understand what matters to Gen Z workers so you can position your organization with strong recruiting strategies. 

With this year’s hiring season in full swing and more grads hitting the job market this spring, it’s crucial to know how to attract, hire, and retain young, entry-level employees. We’ve gathered some tips about what 2024 college grads want from their jobs to help you get started. Let’s get right into it. 

Qualities Gen Z Grads Want From Their Jobs

Knowing what new hires value is the first step to attracting and hiring Gen Z employees and recent college graduates. College grads today have a specific set of values and issues they care about when it comes to selecting a workplace. 

It’s important for you and your team to stay educated on current trends and recent grads’ values so you can understand these younger job candidates and how to effectively resonate with them. If you’re ready to learn more about how to support 2024 grads, keep reading.

Financial Stability

Financial stability is incredibly important to Gen Z and 2024 graduates as a whole. Stability has always been important to young adults entering the workforce for the first time. However, high student loan rates, economic downturns, and related struggles, rising housing costs, and inflation are issues that concern 2024 grads. One way to mitigate this issue is by offering competitive pay ranges for the jobs you post, as well as offering attractive benefits packages. 

Brand Awareness

Gen Z may very well be the most technologically savvy and media-literate generation in the workforce so far. Because they’ve grown up surrounded by technology, they already have a leg up on many workers from previous generations. But Gen Z is also social media savvy, and they want the companies they work for to be self-aware of their brand presence. It’s also important for their employers to have a solid, competent social media presence. 

Work-Life Balance

A strong work-life balance is among the top job preferences for recent grads. These days, new grads are more interested in protecting their home lives. Family, friends, and recreation are important to Gen Z, as well as work. Support their interest in keeping work and life separate, and take steps within your organization to protect the boundaries around each. 

Opportunities for Learning

It would benefit your company to prepare for hiring college grads in 2024 by offering plenty of opportunities for learning. Recent grads want to know that they’ll have plenty of chances to learn new skills, sharpen their current skill sets, gain relevant experience, and make meaningful steps forward to advance in their careers. You can communicate learning opportunities and incentives to job applicants through your website, job listings, recruiters, or company representatives at job fairs. 

Flexible Schedules

Today, flexible schedules are more important than ever--especially in our post-COVID world. Since employers were forced to move beyond the inflexible in-office 9-to-5, workers now expect to have access to more flexible work arrangements. They want the opportunity to set their own schedules and work remotely whenever possible. If you need them in the office, it would be great to offer them the opportunity to build a hybrid schedule.

Custom Gifts for Job Fairs 2024

Another way to set yourself up to support 2024 grads is by providing branded job fair swag at in-person recruiting events. Custom job fair promotional items can communicate that your company aligns with recent grads’ values. Memorable, thoughtful gifts can also showcase your brand values and stance on important matters such as sustainability. 

Here are a few great pieces of branded job fair swag to wow your job prospects at your next career fair or recruiting event: 

Branded Econscious Olive 6.8 oz Hemp Market Tote

The Branded Econscious Olive 6.8 oz Hemp Market Tote is an affordable, sustainably-made tote bag that has plenty of room for your booth visitors to store their swag during a job fair. Add your corporate logo to the generous logo area to raise brand awareness around the event!

Embroidered Vineyard Vines White Cap Baseball Hat

Hats are popular giveaways at recruiting events, and the Embroidered Vineyard Vines White Cap Baseball Hat is no different. With five color choices and the option to embroider your logo, these caps just might be a fast favorite.

Company Logo J. America Men's Oxford Ripple Fleece Raglan Crewneck Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts make great layering pieces year-round. Consider including the Custom J. America Men's Oxford Ripple Fleece Raglan Crewneck Sweatshirt as a logo-branded event giveaway during your next job fair.

Contact Us

Now that you know what 2024 college grads want from their jobs, it’s time to kick your recruiting efforts into high gear. Contact us to learn more about logo decoration, gift options, shipping, and more. If you’re ready to start your order, we’re here to help! Our team is on standby to help you sort through the many branded job fair swag ideas on hand.