Spotlight for Recruiting Professionals

When it comes to the aspects that Class of 2016 graduates are seeking in employers, first-generation students gave greater importance to an organization being located close to home and embracing diversity than did their classmates, according to a special report on first-generation college students who responded to NACE’s Class of 2016 Student Survey.

These results are not surprising as they tend to correlate to the demographics of first-generation students. With a larger population of first-generation students being older, the probability of having a family and the importance of being close to home is elevated. In addition, as there is greater racial diversity among first-generation students, a preference for a diverse work environment makes sense.

First-generation students also found higher importance in family-oriented benefits—including adoption leave, elder care, and family leave—and on-site daycare facilities than did non-first generation students.

NACE’s Class of 2016 Student Survey was conducted February 16 – April 30, 2016; more than 23,000 students at colleges and universities nationwide took part, including 5,600 graduating seniors. Among graduating seniors, 5,013 self-identified as either first generation (1,925) or non-first generation (3,088). First-generation students are defined as having a parent/parents who does/do not possess at least a bachelor’s degree. The Class of 2016 Student Survey was sponsored by Enterprise.

Survey participants can access a full copy of the report through MyNACE. Highlights from the Class of 2016 Student Survey are available at www.naceweb.org/surveys/student.aspx.