Early Career Choices: New Survey Reveals Student Employment Trends for 2027 Graduates

As the academic year progresses, a survey by Carritas sheds light on the job search behaviors and preferences of university students nearing graduation in March 2027. This study, conducted from January 1 to 7, 2026, included responses from 1,098 students and aimed to understand their employment aspirations amid evolving market conditions.

Key Findings

1. Priorities in Job Selection

When it comes to choosing a future employer, students predominantly value salary and benefits, with 51.6% identifying these factors as top priorities. This trend has remained consistent, with future career prospects coming in second. These results highlight the importance of financial security for this generation of students.

2. Participation in Internships

The survey revealed that an overwhelming 93.3% of participants have engaged in internships, averaging 10.5 companies. Post-internship, a significant 85.4% of students received invitations for early selection processes, indicating a strong connection between internship participation and job opportunities.

3. Current Status of Job Applications

As of January 1, 2026, approximately 62.4% of students reported having applied for formal job selection, a noticeable increase from 53.7% in the previous year. Additionally, 34.6% have secured job offers, which is notably higher than the 27.9% recorded in the same period last year.

4. Awareness of Selection Processes

Most students anticipate receiving offers from their preferred companies around late March (22.2%). However, a majority (60.7%) believe the companies are initiating their recruitment activities too early, suggesting a mismatch between student expectations and corporate timing.

5. Sources of Job Search Information

When it comes to gathering information about job opportunities, career information websites rank highest, favored by over 80% of the students. Company websites closely follow as another major source, emphasizing the importance of reliable online resources for job seekers.

6. Strategies for Job Search Preparation

The desire to participate in early selection has notably increased, with 67.8% of students expressing interest, up from 63.9% last year. This shift indicates an evolving strategy among students to secure employment ahead of the competition.

7. Use of Generative AI

In an interesting development, 93.7% of students leverage generative AI for their academic work, and 84.3% utilize it in the job search process. This trend could signify a deeper integration of technology in career planning and academic pursuits.

Conclusion

The recent survey by Carritas not only reflects changing perspectives among students regarding employment but also illustrates a proactive approach towards securing careers early. The emphasis on salary and benefits, combined with a high engagement in internships, signals a competitive and informed cohort preparing to enter the workforce. With the enhancement of technology's role in career services, the landscape of job searching continues to evolve dramatically.

For more detailed insights, refer to the full report here.