What new grads really want

By Tori Smith

“Pomp and Circumstance” plays as college graduates grab their hard-earned degrees and switch their tassels to the other side of the cap. As they walk off the stage, they look forward to their futures — though some may have questions and challenges about their career paths.

Graduates are left with the “Five W’s”: who, what, when, where, why and how. The VSCPA wanted to know: What are graduates truly looking for in the job field today? How do they plan to tackle the Five W’s? A survey of 40 students conducted this spring offers valuable information, including students’ stances on remote work, important aspects of a job environment and obstacles they currently face while in school.

Half of grads want remote work

Students rank salary, a benefits package, company culture, and flexibility to work remotely as the most important issues to look for when applying for a job.

June Schlereth, a recent graduate of Mary Baldwin College, said she checks the benefits package when looking through the company’s application.

“As a woman, one thing I like looking at is how long maternity leave is. Right now, at the company I’m at, it’s six weeks,” said June. “I’d like to have more time off, then start to come in part-time.”

Regarding how to work, 51% of students said the ability to work all or some of the time remotely is an important aspect of a job when applying.

Anthony Falls, a business administration student at Western Governors University, falls within that 51%. Although he has found a position as a staff accountant, the search wasn’t easy; he had trouble finding a job that offered remote work.

“It didn’t even have to be fully remote,” Anthony said, “It could even be a few days on-site and the remainder of the week at home. There were a few companies I was deeply interested in, and it didn’t work out because of the lack of remote work.”

Connecting student to job

Although the students want remote work for post-graduate jobs, the remote communication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has created a barrier for creating connections between recruiters and some students. One student said that it can be “a lot more difficult to connect with recruiters when they are coming in-person to college events much less often than they used to.”

Although, other students say they like virtual career fairs because of their accessibility. Danielle Willgruber, a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, is one.

“As someone who has hearing loss, it’s easier for me if I can do a virtual fair,” said Danielle. “It depends upon the design of the fair. The few I’ve been to are where you can sign up for one-on-one sessions. I have a dedicated time; I’m not waiting in line with 50 other people.”

Students also responded saying that they’re not sure what positions they’re truly qualified for. From the answers of the survey, it’s apparent that they don’t have many or any chances to find out what they feel confident doing in the accounting world.

Several students answered the question: “If you’re currently job hunting, what challenges have you faced or are you facing?” by sharing their experiences while still in school. Some reported that there is either a lack of internships, no part-time paid positions available, or that the jobs posted require at least a year of experience.

How companies can make the process better

Multiple students have had trouble applying to a job post-graduation, whether that’s due to personality tests or response times.

One student said, “Sometimes I will apply for a job and get an email two months later asking to interview or telling me they are not moving forward with my application. After two months, I forgot that I even applied for the position.”

Anthony said that it would be helpful for companies to divulge as much information as possible about the company and position during the application process.

“Sometimes students don’t have the time to sit and read about the company when blasting out résumés,” Anthony said. “Who knows how many great opportunities I passed up because the company wasn’t enticing enough?”

Once graduates apply, interview, accept the job, and sit at their desks on the first day, they still have fears about their future at that company.

Multiple students reported that they are worried about the competitiveness due to the work culture or the culture at a Big 4 firm.

Another student would like to see a “buddy program” implemented after the repercussions of the pandemic. “I think having a support system at work, especially since the pandemic, is important and should be implemented for all new employees. I know some companies have a buddy system where you get partnered with someone at a similar level as you, a manager, and a partner — all to help you succeed in any and all career goals.”

June and Danielle both would like for companies to offer help with the CPA Exam and an advancement program to enhance their positions at the company.

Although students have faced problems while trying to get jobs with applications, lack of descriptions, and lack of remote work, one thing is for sure: More than 70% of students that filled out the survey are looking for full-time employment.

Are companies ready to give them what they want?

Tori Smith is the VSCPA summer communication intern. She is a student at Ball State University in Indiana.