MAY 2024

CFA Institute commissioned a global survey of current and recent university graduates in key
global markets to understand trends in finance and related fields as a career choice, including:
• Thoughts about career prospects amid economic volatility
• Perception of financial industries’ social impact

The 2024 study benchmarked questions from the 2023 Graduate Outlook Survey related to
career trajectories.​

2
The 2024 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey
was fielded via an online survey from March 19-
April 8, 2024, by Dynata with a sample of 9,916
respondents studying for a bachelor’s degree or 1 8
higher, or who have graduated with a bachelor’s or 5
higher within the last 3 years aged 18-25. Where 2 6 7 9 14
indicated throughout the report, data were
10
benchmarked against the 2023 Graduate Outlook 12
3
Survey. 11
4
13
Key global markets included:

1 Canada: n=700 4 Brazil: n=700 7 France: n=1,000 10 India: n=1,000 13 Australia: n=501

2 USA: n=1,000 5 UK: n=1,000 8 Germany: n=700 11 Singapore: n=300 14 Mainland China:
n=1,002
3 Mexico: n=501 6 Spain: n=700 9 UAE: n=500 12 Hong Kong SAR: n=312

3
Confident about career prospects
• 78% of graduates are confident in their future career prospects today, and 72% rate their career prospect confidence as at least a 7
out of 10. This is five points higher than in 2023 (75% vs. 70%, respectively)
Finance degrees preferred
• The finance industry is the top industry where graduates are confident in their career prospects and increased in confidence by 6
points
o Education and Healthcare saw a slight decrease
• Finance is the top career field graduates consider most stable and attractive, followed by STEM
o Finance, along with Tech, is one of the top college majors seen as valuable in finding a career
o Humanities and arts are at the bottom
Graduates continue to be concerned about low pay
• In addition to being concerned about low pay, graduates are concerned about lack of jobs in their preferred sector and feeling
unfulfilled or uninterested in their work
o Those who are 18-21 years old are slightly more likely to be concerned about feeling unfulfilled than those who are 22-25
years old
• 62% look for salary in an employer along with working arrangements
AI/automation will make it more difficult to secure jobs, but it is still important to career success
• Nearly two-thirds of graduates think AI/automation will make it more difficult to secure the job they want, but two-thirds think
AI/automation is important to the success of their desired career path
• 92% of graduates believe knowing how to use AI/automation tools would benefit their career prospects
4
Upskilling will be necessary but post-graduate certifications will give an edge along with skills and work experience
• While 81% of graduates feel their career prospects have improved as a result of undertaking a degree, an increase from 2023 (73%), 82%
think they'll need to continually upskill throughout their career
• 81% say post-graduate certifications and qualifications will help them secure higher earnings and give them an edge in the job market, an
increase from 2023 (72%)
• Nearly two-thirds of graduates think a professional industry qualification or certification vs. a post-graduate degree will be most valuable in
helping drive their career forward
• 95% say upskilling or acquiring certifications are important to the job market, and 71% say certifications will have a large impact on their job
opportunities
When thinking about time spent in their first job, graduates are torn between wanting to experience different companies and sticking with
one company
• 26% of graduates want to experience a range of different companies, while another 26% believes it is important to stick with one company
and work your way up within it
• 71% of graduates do not intend to stay in their first jobs longer than 4 years, a slight increase from 2023
Looking to positively impact social and environmental causes
• 91% of graduates consider it important to make a positive social or environmental contribution through their careers – consistent with 2023
• 92% of graduates say they would be influenced by a company's commitment to ESG factors when deciding whether to apply for a job or
pursue a career with them
Social media is used to find information and advice on career prospects
• 44% of graduates use social media to seek out information about what careers look like in real life, an increase from 2023 (39%)
• Compared to 2023, using social media to build a professional presence and seek advice from influencers has increased (37% vs. 34%,
respectively)
• In addition to social media, graduates also get information and advice on career prospects from college professors and friends and increased
their use of career guidance offices from 2023

5
6
At least three-quarters of graduates are confident in their future career prospects and knowing what
employers are looking for in employees
Q1. How confident, if at all, do you feel about the following?
Your future career prospects in today's current economic climate
You know what employers are looking for in graduate employees
60%

50% 47% 48%

40%
33%
31%
30%

20% 19% 18%

10%

2% 2%
0%
Very confident Quite confident Not very confident Not confident at all

7
Graduates’ confidence has increased slightly since 2023
Q1. How confident, if at all, do you feel about the following?

Your future career prospects in today’s You know what employers are looking for in
current economic climate graduate employees

Confident* Not confident** Confident* Not confident**

100% 100%

90% 22% 90% 20% 19%

25%
80% 3-point increase 80%
in confidence
70% 70%

60% 60%

50% 50%

40% 78% 40% 80% 81%

75%
30% 30%

20% 20%

10% 10%

0% 0%
2023 2024 2023 2024
8 *Confident = Very/Quite confident NET
**Not confident = Not very confident/Not confident at all NET
Q1 | Your future career prospects in today’s current economic climate
Age Combined

Very confident Quite confident Not very confident Not confident at all
50%
47% 47%
45%

40%

35%
32%
30% 29%

25%
21%
20% 18%

15%

10%

5% 3%
2%
0%
18-21 22-25

9
Q1 | You know what employers are looking for in graduate employees
Age Combined

Very confident Quite confident Not very confident Not confident at all
60%

50% 48% 48%

40%
34%
32%
30%

20% 19%
17%

10%

2% 2%
0%
18-21 22-25

10
Graduates are most confident about their career prospects in Finance
Q2. Which industries, if any, are you feeling most confident about your career prospects
in? Select up to three.
35%

30%
30%

25%

20%
20% 19%
18% 17%

15% 14%
12%
10%
10% 9% 9%
8% 8% 7%
6% 6%
5% 3% 3%

0%

11
Overall industry confidence improved most in Finance and STEM since 2023, while confidence in
Education and Healthcare dropped
Q2. Which industries, if any, are you feeling most confident about your career prospects in? Select
up to three.
2024 2023
35%
6-point increase
30%
in Finance
30%
industry

25% 24%
3-point
increase
in STEM
20% industry
20% 19% 19%
18% 18%
18%
17% 17%
16%
14%
15%
12%
12% 12%
10% 10% 10%
10% 9% 9%
8%8% 8%7% 7%7%
6%6% 6%
5%
5% 3%3% 3%3%

0%

12
Q2
Age Combined

Architecture & Construction Arts & Culture Education Finance

Government Healthcare HR It & Telecoms
Legal Manufacturing Medicine Retail, Catering & Leisure
Sales, Media & Marketing STEM Travel & Transport Other
I'm not feeling confident about prospects
35%
32%

30%
27%

25%

20% 20% 20%

20% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18% 18%
17%

15% 14% 14%

13%
11% 11%
10%
10% 9% 9% 9% 9%
8% 8%
7% 7% 7% 7%
6% 6%
5% 3% 3% 3%
2%

0%
18-21 22-25

13
Low pay, lack of jobs, and feeling unfulfilled are the biggest concerns among graduates
Q3. What, if anything, is your biggest concern regarding your career prospects? Select
one.
12%
11%
10%
10% 10%
10%
9%

8% 8% 7%
7%
7%
6%
6%
5%

4%
4%
3%
2%
2%

1%

0%
Low pay in my Lack of jobs in Having to work Feeling AI/automation Not being Lack of jobs Lack of career Wage Having to Lack of Potential Geopolitical Other I don't have
preferred my preferred in a sector that underqualified replacing my ready for the causing me to progression in reductions as a compromise on diversity in my stigma of upheaval any concerns
sector sector doesn't fulfill or for the job I job role working world abandon my my preferred result of a my preferred working in a
interest me want preferred sector volatile ethics/values sector particular
sector economy for the job I industry
want
14
Q3
Age Combined

Having to compromise on my ethics/values for the job I want Low pay in my preferred sector
Wage reductions as a result of a volatile economy Feeling underqualified for the job I want
Lack of diversity in my preferred sector Lack of jobs in my preferred sector
Having to work in a sector that doesn't fulfill or interest me Lack of jobs causing me to abandon my preferred sector
Not being ready for the working world Lack of career progression in my preferred sector
Potential stigma of working in a particular industry AI/automation replacing my job role
Geopolitical upheaval Other
I don't have any concerns
12%
11% 11% 11% 11%
10% 10% 10%
10%
9% 9% 9% 9%
8%
8%
7% 7% 7% 7% 7%
6% 6%
6%
5% 5% 5%
4%
4%
3% 3% 3% 3%
2%
2%
1%
0%
0%
18-21 22-25
15
Two-in-five graduates will take a job after completing their undergraduate degree
Q5. After you completed/complete your undergraduate degree did you/do you plan to… Select only
one.

45%
42%

40%

35%

30%

25% 23%

20%
17%
15%
11%
10%
6%
5%
2%
0%
Take a job Earn a post-graduate Undertake post-graduate Join a business graduate Take a gap year None of these
qualification/professional academic study program
certification

16
Q5
Age Combined

Take a gap year Take a job

Join a business graduate program Undertake post-graduate academic study
Earn a post-graduate qualification/professional certification None of these
45%
42% 42%
40%

35%

30%

25% 24%
22%
20%
17% 17%
15%
10% 11%
10%
6% 6%
5%
2% 2%
0%
18-21 22-25

17
Nearly three-quarters of graduates do not intend to stay in their first jobs longer than 4
years
Q6. How long did you/do you plan to stay in your first graduate job?
45%

39%
40%

35%

30% 29%

25%

20%

15% 14%

9%
10%

5% 3% 3%
2%
1%
0%
Less than a year, 1-2 years 3-4 years 5-6 years 7-8 years 9-10 years More than 10 Not sure
please specify in years, please
months specify in years

18
Graduates are more slightly more likely in 2024 vs. 2023 to say they will only stay in their
first job for up to 2 years
Q6. How long did you/do you plan to stay in your first graduate job?
2024 2023
45%
39%
40%
37%
35%

30% 29% 29%

25%

20%

15% 14% 13%

9% 10%
10%
5%
5% 3% 3% 2% 2% 3%
2%
1%
0%
Less than a year, 1-2 years 3-4 years 5-6 years 7-8 years 9-10 years More than 10 Not sure
please specify in years, please
months specify in years

19
Q6
Age Combined

Less than a year, please specify in months 1-2 years

3-4 years 5-6 years
7-8 years 9-10 years
More than 10 years, please specify in years Not Sure

45% 42%
40%
36%
35%

30% 29% 29%

25%

20% 17%
15%
10% 11%
10% 9%

5% 2% 3% 3% 3% 2% 3%
1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

20
A quarter of graduates want to experience a range of different companies while another
quarter believe it is important to stick with one company
Q7. Which of the following most informs how long you stayed/will stay in your first
graduate job? Select only one.

30%

26% 26%
25%
23%

20%
20%

15%

10%

5%
5%

0%
I want to experience a range of I believe it is important to stick I think I will learn everything a This feels like a reasonable None of these
different companies with one company and work company has to offer in 1-2 amount of time
your way up within it years
21
Q7
Age Combined

I want to experience a range of different companies

I think I will learn everything a company has to offer in 1-2 years
I believe it is important to stick with one company and work your way up within it
This feels like a reasonable amount of time
None of these
30%
27% 27%
26%
25%
25% 24%
22%
21%
20% 19%

15%

10%

5%
5% 4%

0%
18-21 22-25
22
Finance is the top sector graduates consider stable and attractive
Q8. Which sector, if any, do you feel is the most stable and attractive? Select only one.

20%

18% 18%

16%

14%
12%
10%
10% 9%
8%
8% 7% 7% 7%
6%
4% 4% 4%
4% 3%
3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2%
2% 1% 1%
0%

23
Q8
Age Combined
Advertising, PR, Marketing Architecture & Construction Arts & Culture
Education Finance and investment Government
Healthcare HR and Recruitment IT & Telecoms
Legal Manufacturing Media and Journalism
Medicine Public Services/Intelligence Retail, Catering & Leisure
Sales STEM Travel & Transport
Utilities and Energy Other I don't see any sectors as stable and attractive

20% 19%
18%
16% 15%
14%
12% 11%
10%
10% 9% 9%
8%
8% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7%
6% 5%
4% 4%
4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3%
2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%
2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

24
Four-in-five graduates agree they will need to continually upskill throughout their career and that
postgraduate qualifications will help them secure higher earnings and give them an edge
Q10. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
I am likely to have multiple careers over my lifetime
I feel my career prospects have improved as a result of undertaking a degree
Postgraduate qualifications/professional certification will help me to secure higher earnings
Postgraduate qualifications/professional certification will give me an edge in the current job market
I will need to continually upskill with certificates and courses throughout my career
90%
81% 81% 81% 82%
80%

70% 66%

60%

50%

40%

30%
21%
20% 14% 14% 14% 15% 15%
13% 13%
10% 5% 6%

0%
Agree* Neither agree nor disagree Disagree**

25 *Agree = Strongly/Somewhat agree NET

**Disagree = Strongly/Somewhat disagree NET
Graduates are more likely in 2024 vs. 2023 to say their career prospects have improved after
undertaking a degree
Q10. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

I am likely to have multiple careers over my I feel my career prospects have improved as a
lifetime* result of undertaking a degree

Agree** Neither agree nor disagree Disagree*** Agree** Neither agree nor disagree Disagree***
100% 100%
9% 5%
16% 13%
90% 90% 14%
80% 80% 18% 8-point
21% increase in
25% agreement
70% 6-point 70%
increase in
60% agreement 60%

50% 50%

40% 40% 81%

73%
66%
30% 60% 30%

20% 20%

10% 10%

0% 0%
2023 2024 2023 2024

26 *Presented as “I am likely to have multiple careers over my lifetime, due to the likelihood I will be working into later life.” in 2023
**Agree = Strongly/Somewhat agree NET
***Disagree = Strongly/Somewhat disagree NET
Graduates are more likely today vs. 2023 to say certifications have helped secure higher earnings
and given them an edge
Q10. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

Postgraduate qualifications/professional Postgraduate qualifications/professional

certification will help me to secure higher certification will give me an edge in the current
earnings job market
Agree* Neither agree nor disagree Disagree** Agree* Neither agree nor disagree Disagree**
100% 100%
9% 6% 9% 5%
90% 90% 14%
14%
80% 18% 9-point 80% 19% 9-point
increase in increase in
70% agreement 70% agreement

60% 60%

50% 50%

40% 81% 40% 81%

72% 72%
30% 30%

20% 20%

10% 10%

0% 0%
2023 2024 2023 2024

27 *Agree = Strongly/Somewhat agree NET

**Disagree = Strongly/Somewhat disagree NET
Q10 | I am likely to have multiple careers over my lifetime
Age Combined

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree
45%
40%
40% 38%

35%

30% 28%
27%

25%
21% 21%
20%

15%
11%
10% 9%

5% 3% 3%

0%
18-21 22-25

28
Q10 | I feel my career prospects have improved as a result of undertaking a degree
Age Combined

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree
50%

45% 43%
42%
40%
40% 39%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15% 14% 14%

10%

5% 4% 4%
1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

29
Q10 | Postgraduate qualifications/professional certification will help me to secure higher
earnings
Age Combined
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree
45%
41% 41%
40% 40%
40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15% 14% 14%

10%
5%
5% 4%
1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

30
Q10 | Postgraduate qualifications/professional certification will give me an edge in the
current job market
Age Combined
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree
45%
42%
41%
40%
40% 39%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15% 14% 14%

10%
5%
5% 4%
1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

31
Q10 | I will need to continually upskill with certificates and courses throughout my career
Age Combined

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree
50%
45%
45% 44%

40% 39%
37%
35%

30%

25%

20%

15% 14%
12%
10%

5% 4% 4%
1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

32
Finance is the top major graduates consider most valuable in finding a career
Q11. What university major/subject, if any, do you see as most valuable in finding a
career? Select only one.

25%

20%
20%

15%
15% 14%
14%
12%

10%
8%

5%
5% 5%
3% 3%
1%

0%
Finance Tech Medicine Business Engineering Science Math Humanities Arts Other I don't see
any as
valuable

33
Q11
Age Combined

Arts Business Engineering Finance Humanities Math Medicine Science Tech Other I don't see any as valuable

25%

21%
20%
18%
16%
15%
15% 14% 14% 14%
13%
12% 12%

10%
8% 8%
6%
5%
5% 4% 4% 4%
3% 3% 3%
1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

34
Graduates believe Skills and Work experience will give them an edge in the job market
upon graduation
Q12. What, if anything, do you think gives/gave you an "edge" in the job market upon
graduation? Select all that apply.
60%

50% 49% 48%

40% 37%
33% 32%
30% 27%
25%
22%
20% 18%

10%

2%
0%
0%
Skills acquired Work Internships Networks and Specialized The reputation The grades I Grad school Extracurricular Other I don't think
experience contacts subject matter of my course or achieved matriculation activities I anything
expertise university participated in gives/gave me
at university an edge
35
Graduates are less likely in 2024 vs. 2023 to think Internships will give them an edge in
the job market after graduating
Q12. What, if anything, do you think gives/gave you an "edge" in the job market upon
graduation? Select all that apply.

60% 2024 2023

49%48% 48%
50%

41%
40% 4-point 37%
decrease
33%34% 32%
34%

30% 28% 27%

27%
25%
22%21% 21%
20% 18%

10%
4%
2%
0% 1%
0%
Skills acquired Work Internships Networks and Specialized The reputation The grades I Grad school Extracurricular Other I don't think
experience contacts subject matter of my course achieved matriculation activities I anything
expertise or university participated in gives/gave me
at university an edge

36
Q12
Age Combined

Skills acquired
Specialized subject matter expertise
Internships
The grades I achieved
Networks and contacts
The reputation of my course or university
Extracurricular activities I participated in at university
Grad school matriculation
Work experience
Other, please specify2
60%

50%
50% 47% 48% 48%

39%
40% 36%
34% 35%
31% 31%
30% 26% 26% 27%
25%
21% 22%
18% 19%
20%

10%
2% 2%
0% 0%
0%
18-21 22-25
37
About half of graduates view upskilling and professional/post-graduate qualifications as
very important in the current job market
Q13. How important, if at all, do you think upskilling and professional / post-graduate
qualifications are in the current job market?
60%

50% 49%
46%

40%

30%

20%

10%
5%

0%
0%
Very important Quite important Not very important Not important at all

38
Upskilling and professional qualifications has decreased slightly in importance for
graduates since 2023
Q13. How important, if at all, do you think upskilling and professional / post-graduate
qualifications are in the current job market?
2024 2023
100% 95% 93%
90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10% 5% 7%

0%
Important* Not important**

39 *Important = Very/Quite important NET

**Not important = Not very important/Not important at all NET
Q13
Age Combined

Very important Quite important Not very important Not important at all
60%

50% 48% 49%

47%
45%

40%

30%

20%

10%
4% 5%

0% 0%
0%
18-21 22-25

40
Nearly two-thirds of graduates consider a professional industry qualification most valuable
in helping drive their career forward
Q14. Which of the following do you consider most valuable in helping drive your career
forward?
70%

61%
60%

50%

39%
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
Post-graduate degree Professional industry qualification or certification

41
Q14
Age Combined

Post-graduate degree Professional industry qualification or certification

70%

61% 60%
60%

50%

39% 40%
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
18-21 22-25

42
Nearly three-quarters of graduates think professional certification has a large impact on
their earning prospects, job fulfillment and opportunities
Q15. How much impact do you think professional certification would have on your earning
prospects, job fulfillment, and opportunities?
80%
71%
70%

60%

50%

40%

30% 27%

20%

10%
2%
0%
A large impact A small impact No impact

43
Graduates are slightly more likely to believe certifications have a large impact on earnings
an opportunities in 2024 vs. 2023
Q15. How much impact do you think professional certification would have on your earning
prospects, job fulfillment, and opportunities?
2024 2023
80%
71%
69%
70%

60%

50%

40%

30% 27% 28%

20%

10%
2% 2%
0%
A large impact A small impact No impact

44
Q15
Age Combined

A large impact A small impact No impact

80%
72% 71%
70%

60%

50%

40%

30% 28%
26%

20%

10%
2% 2%
0%
18-21 22-25

45
Nearly two-thirds of graduates think AI/automation will make it more difficult to secure the
job they want
Q16. As it relates to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other emerging
technologies in your desired career field, do you think artificial intelligence (AI) /
automation will make it more or less difficult to secure the job you want?
60%

50% 48%

40%

30%
25%

20%
13%
11%
10%
3%

0%
Significantly more difficult Slightly more difficult No impact Slightly less difficult Significantly less difficult

46
Q16
Age Combined

Significantly more difficult Slightly more difficult No impact Slightly less difficult Significantly less difficult
60%

49%
50% 47%

40%

30%
25% 26%

20%
14%
12% 12%
10%
10%

2% 3%
0%
18-21 22-25

47
Two-thirds of graduates think AI/automation is important to the success of their desired
career path
Q17. How important is artificial intelligence (AI) / automation to the success of your
desired career path?

50%
46%
45%

40%

35%

30% 28%

25%
20%
20%

15%

10%
6%
5%

0%
Very important Quite important Not very important Not important at all
48
Q17
Age Combined

Very important Quite important Not very important Not important at all
50%
45% 46%
45%

40%

35%
31%
30% 27%
25%
21%
20% 18%

15%

10% 7% 6%
5%

0%
18-21 22-25

49
Graduates believe knowing how to use AI/automation tools would benefit their career
prospects
Q18. How much impact would knowing how to use artificial intelligence (AI) / automation
tools and technology have on your career prospects?
60%

51%
50%

41%
40%

30%

20%

10% 8%

0%
A large benefit A small benefit No benefit

50
Q18
Age Combined

A large benefit A small benefit No benefit

60%

50% 51%
50%

41% 41%
40%

30%

20%

9%
10% 7%

0%
18-21 22-25

51
Graduates believe it is important that they make a positive societal and environmental
contribution through their career
Q19. How important is it to you that you can make a positive societal and environmental
contribution through your career?
60%

50% 48%

43%
40%

30%

20%

10% 8%

1%
0%
Very important Quite important Not very important Not important at all

52
Graduates’ consideration of the importance of making a positive societal and
environmental contribution through their career has remained steady today vs. 2023
Q19. How important is it to you that you can make a positive societal and environmental
contribution through your career?

2024 2023
100%
91% 91%
90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%
9% 9%
10%

0%
Important* Not important**

53 *Important = Very/Quite important NET

**Not important = Not very important/Not important at all NET
Q19
Age Combined

Very important Quite important Not very important Not important at all
60%

50% 48% 49%

43% 42%
40%

30%

20%

10% 8% 8%

1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

54
Graduates would be influenced by a company’s commitment to ESG when deciding
whether to pursue a career with them
Q20. Would a company's commitment to ESG (environmental, social, and governance)
factors influence your decision to apply for a job or pursue a career with them?
60%

51%
50%

41%
40%

30%

20%

10% 8%

0%
Definitely Possibly Not at all

55
Q20
Age Combined

Definitely Possibly Not at all

60%
53%
50%
50%

42%
40%
40%

30%

20%

10% 7% 8%

0%
18-21 22-25

56
Salary is most looked for in an employer according to graduates
Q21. What do you look for the most in an employer? Select up to three.

70%

62%
60%

50% 47%
42% 42%
40%

30% 28%
24%

20%

10%

1% 1%
0%
Salary Working Career progression Benefits Working location Perks Other There is nothing I
arrangements look for

57
Q21
Age Combined

Benefits Working location Working arrangements Career progression Salary Perks Other There is nothing I look for
70%

62% 62%
60%

50% 47% 47%

45% 44%
40%
40% 38%

30% 28% 28%

25%
23%
20%

10%

0% 1% 1% 0%
0%
18-21 22-25

58
Most graduates are confident about their career prospects
Q22. On a scale of 1-10, how confident do you currently feel about your career
prospects? 1 being not confident at all, 10 being completely confident.

30%

25%
25%

21%
20%

15%
15%

12% 11%

10%
8%

5% 4%
2%
1% 1%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

59
Overall confidence in career prospects has slightly increased since 2023
Q22. On a scale of 1-10, how confident do you currently feel about your career
prospects? 1 being not confident at all, 10 being completely confident.

2024 2023
30%

25%
25%
22%
21%21%
20%

15% 15%
15%
12%12% 12% 11%

10% 9%
8%

5% 4% 4%
3%
2%
1% 1% 1% 1%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

60
Q22
Age Combined

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
30%
27%

25%
23%
22%
20%
20%

16%
15% 14%
13% 13%

10% 10%
10% 9%
7%

5% 4%
3%
2% 2%
1% 1% 1% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

61
Graduates most use social media to seek out information on what careers look like in real
life
Q23. What role does social media play in evaluating your long-term career prospects?
Select all that apply.
50%
44%
45%

40% 37%
35% 34%
32%
30%
27%
25%

20%

15%
10%
10%

5%
0%
0%
I seek out information I am using social I seek out advice from I have used social I have used social Other None of these
about what careers media to build my social media media for professional media to land an
look like in real life on professional presence influencers or creators networking internship or an
social media to improve my job on the career paths interview
prospects I’m interested in
62
Graduates are more likely today vs. 2023 to use social media to build their professional
presence or seek out advice from influencers
Q23. What role does social media play in evaluating your long-term career prospects?
Select all that apply.
2024 2023
50%
44%
45%

40% 39%
37%
35% 6-point
34%
31% increase 32%
6-point
30% 28% increase
29%
27%
25% 24%

20%

15% 12%
10%
10%

5%
0% 0%
0%
I seek out information I am using social I seek out advice from I have used social I have used social Other None of these
about what careers media to build my social media media for professional media to land an
look like in real life on professional presence influencers or creators networking internship or an
social media to improve my job on the career paths interview
prospects I’m interested in
63
Q23
Age Combined

I seek out information about what careers look like in real life on social media
I am using social media to build my professional presence to improve my job prospects
I seek out advice from social media influencers or creators on the career paths I’m interested in
I have used social media for professional networking
I have used social media to land an internship or an interview
Other
None of these
50%
44% 45%
45%
39%
40%
35% 34% 34%
35% 33%
30% 28% 27%
26%
25%
20%
15%
11% 10% 10%
10%
5%
0%
0%
18-21 22-25
64
Graduates find most information and advice on career prospects from Social media,
College professors, and Friends
Q24. Where do you go to find information and advice on your career prospects? Select all
that apply.
50%

45% 44% 44% 43%

40% 38% 37%

35%

30%
26%
25% 23%

20%
17% 16%
15%

10%

5%
1% 2%
0%

65
Graduates are more likely today vs. 2023 to find most information and advice on career prospects
from Career guidance offices or Social media but less likely to from Family
Q24. Where do you go to find information and advice on your career prospects? Select all that
apply.
2024 2023
50%
5-point
45% 44% increase 44% 43%
41% 41%
40% 39% 39%
38% 37%
35% 7-point
30% increase
30%
26%
25% 23%
21% 21%
20% 17%
17% 16%
15%
15%

10%

5% 2%3%
1%1%
0%

66
Q24
Age Combined

Social media applications Newsletters Podcasts

Traditional news media Alumni Friends
Family College professors Career guidance offices/companies
Other None of these
50%
47%
45% 45%
45% 43%
41% 41%
40% 39% 39%
37%
35%
35%

30%
25% 26%
25% 23%
22%
20%
17% 18%
15% 15%
15%

10%

5%
1% 2% 1% 2%
0%
18-21 22-25
67
68
[India/Mainland China Only] Indian graduates are more likely than Chinese graduates to
choose to go abroad for university studies
Q25. Will you/did you choose to go abroad for university studies?
India China
80%
72%
70%

60%

50%
44%

40%

30% 28%
26%

20%

10%

0%
Yes No

69
[India/Mainland China Only] Q25
Age Combined

Yes No
70%
62%
60%
55%

50%
45%

40% 38%

30%

20%

10%

0%
18-21 22-25

70
[India/Mainland China Only] Indian graduates are more likely than Chinese graduates to
study abroad in the United States or Canada but less likely to in Singapore, France or
Hong Kong SAR
Q26. What are/were your top three (3) destinations for studies abroad? Select up to three.
India China
60% 57%

49%
50%
45%

39%
40%
36%
32% 32%
31%
30% 27%
24% 24% 23%

20% 17%
16% 16%
13%
9%
10% 7%
5%
3% 2%
0%
0%
United States United Canada Australia Germany Japan Singapore France Republic of Hong Kong Other
Kingdom Korea SAR

71
[India/Mainland China Only] Q26
Age Combined

Australia Canada United States United Kingdom Hong Kong Japan Singapore Germany France Republic of Korea Other
60%
56%
53%

50%
46%

40%
40%

32% 33%
30%
30% 28% 28% 28%

21% 22%
20%
15% 15% 15% 14%
10%
10%
6% 6% 6%
2% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

72
[Mainland China Only] More than four-in-five Chinese graduates will return to mainland
China for employment after studying abroad
Q27. Will you/did you return to mainland China for employment after studying abroad?
90%
85%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%
11%
10%
4%

0%
Yes No Not sure

73
[Mainland China Only] Q27
Age Combined

Yes No Not sure

100%
89%
90%
79%
80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%
14%
7% 9%
10%
1%
0%
18-21 22-25

74
[Mainland China Only] More than four-in-five Chinese graduates are most confident
about their career prospects in mainland China
Q28. In which of the following are you most confident about career prospects?
90%
85%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%
10%
5%

0%
Mainland China Other market outside of mainland China Not sure

75
[Mainland China Only] Q28
Age Combined

China Other market outside of China Not sure

100%

90% 86%
81%
80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%
12% 10%
10% 8%
4%
0%
18-21 22-25

76
[India Only] Nearly three-quarters of Indian graduates will return to India for employment
after studying abroad
Q29. Will you/did you return to India for employment after studying abroad?
80%
72%
70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

19%
20%

9%
10%

0%
Yes No Not sure

77
[India Only] Q29
Age Combined

Yes No Not sure

80%
75%
70%
70%

60%

50%

40%

30%
21%
20% 17%

9% 8%
10%

0%
18-21 22-25

78
[India Only] Two-thirds of Indian graduates are most confident about their career
prospects in India
Q30. In which of the following are you most confident about career prospects?
80%

69%
70%

60%

50%

40%

30%
25%

20%

10% 7%

0%
India Other market outside of India Not sure

79
[India Only] Q30
Age Combined

India Other market outside of India Not sure

80%
72%
70%
65%

60%

50%

40%

30% 27%
23%
20%

9%
10%
5%

0%
18-21 22-25

80
[India Only] Indian graduates saw Soft skills/personality trainings and Professional certifications
as resources to improve their employability
Q31. Which of the following learning resources would you look at to improve your
employability? Select up to three.
70%

60% 58%
56%

50%
45% 44%

40%

30%
22%
20%

10%

1%
0%
Soft skills and personality Professional certifications Higher education/MBA Internships Online certifications None of these
development trainings

81
[India Only] Q31
Age Combined

Professional certifications Higher education/MBA

Online certifications Soft skills and personality development trainings
Internships None of these
70%

60% 59%
60% 58%
52%
50% 48% 48%
42% 41%
40%

30%
25%
20%
20%

10%

0% 1%
0%
18-21 22-25

82
[India Only] Indian graduates are most interested in exploring careers in AI or Digital
marketing
Q32. Which of the following careers are you interested in exploring in this new era of
careers? Select all that apply.
70%

59%
60%

50% 48%
42% 41%
40%
32% 31% 30%
30%
21%
20%

10%
3%
0%

83
[India Only] Q32
Age Combined

Digital marketing Social media content creator Social media influencer

Web development Artificial intelligence Data science
Cryptocurrency/blockchain technology Game designing None of these
70%
61%
60% 58%
52%
50%
43% 44% 44%
40% 39%
40%
32% 33%
31% 31% 31%
30% 27%
21% 20%
20%

10%
3% 3%
0%
18-21 22-25

84
85
Respondent Demographics

Gender Age Degree Status

27% 29% 27%
53% Have graduated 32%
46% 16%
Canada
Currently studying 68%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

41%
34%
55% Have graduated 58%
United States of 43%
10% 15%
America Currently studying 42%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

68% 29% 29% 26% Have graduated 17%

16%
31%
Mexico
Currently studying 83%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

28% 29%
24% 20% Have graduated 33%
53% 46%
Brazil
Currently studying 67%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

86
Respondent Demographics

Gender Age Degree Status

61% 48% Have graduated 32%

39% 26%
United Kingdom 21%
6%
Currently studying 68%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

70% 27% 26% Have graduated 31%

30% 23% 23%
Spain
Currently studying 69%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

34%
55% 23% 22% 21% Have graduated 26%
45%
France
Currently studying 74%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

25% 27% 26%

50% 49% 21% Have graduated 21%
Germany
Currently studying 79%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

87
Respondent Demographics

Gender Age Degree Status

61% 48% Have graduated 34%

United Arab 39%
21% 26%
6%
Emirates Currently studying 66%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

32% 31%
51% 49% 22% Have graduated 48%
16%
India
Currently studying 53%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

37%
26% 28%
53% Have graduated 33%
47%
9%
Singapore
Currently studying 67%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

65% 54% Have graduated 18%

35% 27%
Hong Kong SAR 2%
17%
Currently studying 82%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

88
Respondent Demographics

Gender Age Degree Status

28% 29%
55% 24% Have graduated 23%
44% 19%
Australia
Currently studying 77%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

33% 33%
27%
53% Have graduated 19%
47%
Mainland China 8%
Currently studying 81%
Male Female 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25

89