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The Class of 2023 is entering the workforce during a period of rapid change. The economy is uncertain, attitudes toward remote and hybrid work are ever-evolving, and new AI technology could completely reshape how work is done.
How are soon-to-be new grads meeting this moment? A new report from Handshake reveals five key trends:
- They’re adjusting their priorities. This class cares less about working for a big-name, fast-growing company. Between summer 2022 and spring 2023, the study saw a 10 percentage point drop in the share of 2023 graduates who say company brand is a factor in their job search, and a 20 percentage point drop in the share who say a company’s growth rate is a factor.
- They’re confident in their skills and ready to keep learning. More than 70 percent of 2023 graduates say they have the skills they need to get the job they want. But they know they’ll need to work to keep up with evolving tech trends—about 75 percent plan to develop additional tech skills in the next few years.
- They’re tech-savvy, even if they didn’t major in a tech field. More than 80 percent of 2023 graduates majoring in non-tech fields have experience with one or more tech skills, such as data analysis or information technology.
- They’re split on the impact of generative AI. Among 2023 graduates who are familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT, a majority believe generative AI will impact their field, while a little under half are worried about how generative AI will affect their career.
- They want in-person connections. Although they appreciate the benefits of remote work, very few 2023 graduates want fully remote jobs, and a majority believe working in person at least some of the time will benefit their careers. More than seven in 10 would prefer a hybrid work arrangement.