A recent study explored how post-secondary students and recent graduates from across Canada are viewing, and adapting, to the current labour market.
These graduates are showing optimism in the face of challenges, a desire to embrace self-employment and entrepreneurship and an ongoing reliance on technology for success.
Commissioned by Intel Canada, the study shows a majority of respondents (65 per cent) are optimistic about their career prospects, despite the fact that most (68 per cent) feel they’re facing a tougher labour market than their parents did when they were starting their career.
When it comes to how students and recent graduates surveyed see their career progressing: four in 10 see a trend towards people in their field working multiple-part time jobs, rather than one full-time job. A similar proportion (42 per cent) perceives employment opportunities for recent graduates as consisting of more contract positions and fewer permanent jobs. In addition about one in three respondents aspire to business ownership and one in two respondents agree that doing contract work is a great way to build a resume.
“This study reinforces what I’ve been hearing from students when I present to them on campus: that they’re actively taking on employment gigs and kick starting their careers,” says Amber Mac, Technology Host and Entrepreneur.
“My top tip to them is to harness the power of their personal brand online, and turn their digital persona into a professional brand. This requires choosing the right technology and the right social media tools. With smart decisions on both fronts, it’s possible today to build a business or career while on campus.”
The importance of fostering a strong personal online brand is echoed by survey respondents as the majority, 82 per cent, suggest having a great personal brand and online identity is the tool most important for success as a freelancer, contract-based employee or business owner. Amongst respondents, about three in 10 say they do not know how to establish a personal brand or sell themselves.
Among those who express a willingness to consider self-employment through freelance work or business ownership, 68 per cent say that having “a great laptop” would be important to their success.
