Published June 08, 2018
By : Staff Writer
New research conducted on behalf of Junior Achievement and Ernst & Young LLP has found that 88% of 13-17-year-olds know what kind of job they want after graduation.
Not only do young people know what they want to do, they also would like to be good at building relationships and using innovative technology.
By 2020, workforce experts estimate 90% of new jobs will require technology skills and digital know-how.
Ironically, the Junior Achievement (JA) study found only 24% of boys want a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) career, down from 36% in 2017; girls' interest remains unchanged at 11%, year-over-year.
"I was surprised to see a reduced interest in STEM careers, which are taking on larger and more important roles in the transformative age in which we are living. Together, EY member firms and JA can team to help strengthen these critical skills for the workforce of tomorrow," said Gary Kozlowski, Partner, Ernst & Young LLP, who leads a network of EY leaders serving on more than 40 local JA boards across the US, Canada and the Caribbean.
In JA's study, parents still hold the top spot in terms of who or what influences their choice of dream job.
Parents' influence, in fact, increased from 19% to 28% since last year. Societal influences such as social media declined from 15% to 8%. Other sources of inspiration include teachers, courses, volunteering and extra-curricular activities.
"As parents, educators, mentors, and counselors, we need to continue to give students the skills to become more proficient in the areas in which they need to advance and grow, as well as show them how all types of careers provide opportunities to benefit society," said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and chief executive officer of Junior Achievement USA. "JA volunteers, who come from all fields, help students make these types of connections about what they are learning in school and what they need and want to succeed at work and life."
This report presents the findings of ORC International's Youth CARAVAN survey conducted among a sample of 1,000 13-17-year olds. This survey was live from February 27 to March 6, 2018.
