Current new college graduates and those who graduated in the early 1980s are remarkably similar, not only in the economic climate and job market they face as new graduates but also in their attitudes about work, according to a new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
NACE compared the attitudes of the college Class of 2008 to those of the college Class of 1982, based on current survey results and those of a similar study conducted by the NACE Foundation in 1982.
“On work-life balance issues, the Class of 2008 and the Class of 1982 have nearly identical views,” said Marilyn Mackes, executive director of NACE. “They share an expectation to work hard and make trade-offs for their job.”
Highlights from the report show:
- 87 percent of 2008 graduates expect to work more than 40 hours a week, as did 87 percent of Class of 1982 graduates
- 40 percent of 2008 graduates say they are willing to spend six or more nights away from home a month for their job; in 1982, 34 percent were willing to make the same trade-off
- When asked about the importance of the job in relation to other aspects of life (family, health, community, free time, etc.), 2008 respondents rated the job as more important or less important in the same pattern as did 1982 respondents
- Graduates from both generations rated family, health, happiness and ethics as more important than the job, while both groups said community, free time, and vacation were not more important than the job
“Where we see differences between the generations are in the attributes they seek in employers,” said Mackes. “Today’s graduates are focused on security and stability. They are looking for an employer that offers opportunity for advancement, job security, and a good benefits package. Those who graduated in the early ‘80s were more focused on self-actualization. They looked for organizations to provide them with the opportunity to use their skills, the opportunity for personal development, and recognition.”
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