Catching up with the Class of 2024

Catching up with the Class of 2024

Catching up with the Class of 2024

How economic stress, employer brand, job location, and industry preferences factor into their vision for post-grad life.

Catching up with the Class of 2024

The next generation embraces a practical point of view on employer benefits, flexibility, and company values.

After four tumultuous years, the Class of 2024 is ready to graduate. How are they feeling about life after college? What are they looking for in a job? And how is their outlook shaping their application behavior? We surveyed them to find out, and uncovered five key trends:

01

The Class of 2024 is optimistic about their job search, but worried about finances and the economy.

While 67% are confident they can find a job that builds their career, more than half are concerned about covering basic expenses.

02

Although they’re willing to relocate, 2024 graduates would like to stay close to family and friends.

Seventy-nine percent are willing to move for the right job, but 86% say being close to family is at least somewhat important to them. 

03

Employer reputation plays a key role in graduating seniors’ application decisions.

Seventy-five percent read reviews of an employer before applying, and 73% would be more likely to apply after seeing additional behind-the-scenes content from an employer.

04

The Class of 2024 is applying to fewer tech jobs and more government jobs.

About 7.5% of job applications from 2024 graduates on Handshake have been submitted to government roles, compared to 5.5% for the Class of 2023.

05

Students in growing majors are applying to a wider range of roles.

For example, computer science majors in the Class of 2024 are submitting a smaller share of their applications to software developer jobs and a larger share to roles in computer hardware and information security.

Sentiment

Sentiment

How is the Class of 2024 feeling about the future?

With graduation around the corner, this year’s seniors have mixed feelings about what comes next. They’re optimistic about their job prospects, with the majority saying they’re confident they can find a role that allows them to apply their skills and build their career. But finances and the economy are ongoing sources of stress, and many 2024 graduates are anxious about experiencing burnout or struggling to advance as they navigate the transition to full-time work.

"The cost of living is so high right now and salaries seem so low. With the starting salaries I’m seeing in my field, at least half my paycheck will go toward rent. What about insurance, utilities, student loans? Everything seems so expensive and working eight hours a day isn’t enough."

Class of 2024 student

"While I'm confident I'll find a job that will take me a step further in my career, I worry about making ends meet. I’m not sure a job that is meaningful and fulfilling will also pay enough for me to achieve my financial goals."

Class of 2024 student

“While I'm confident I'll find a job that will take me a step further in my career, I worry about making ends meet. I’m not sure a job that is meaningful and fulfilling will also pay enough for me to achieve my financial goals.”

Class of 2024 student

“The cost of living is so high right now and salaries seem so low. With the starting salaries I’m seeing in my field, at least half my paycheck will go toward rent. What about insurance, utilities, student loans? Everything seems so expensive and working eight hours a day isn’t enough.“

“The cost of living is so high right now and salaries seem so low. With the starting salaries I’m seeing in my field, at least half my paycheck will go toward rent. What about insurance, utilities, student loans? Everything seems so expensive and working eight hours a day isn’t enough.“

Class of 2024 student

“The cost of living is so high right now and salaries seem so low. With the starting salaries I’m seeing in my field, at least half my paycheck will go toward rent. What about insurance, utilities, student loans? Everything seems so expensive and working eight hours a day isn’t enough.“

Class of 2024 student

“The cost of living is so high right now and salaries seem so low. With the starting salaries I’m seeing in my field, at least half my paycheck will go toward rent. What about insurance, utilities, student loans? Everything seems so expensive and working eight hours a day isn’t enough.“

Class of 2024 student

While I'm confident I'll find a job that will take me a step further in my career, I worry about making ends meet. I’m not sure a job that is meaningful and fulfilling will also pay enough for me to achieve my financial goals.

Class of 2024 student

While I'm confident I'll find a job that will take me a step further in my career, I worry about making ends meet. I’m not sure a job that is meaningful and fulfilling will also pay enough for me to achieve my financial goals.

Class of 2024 student

“While I'm confident I'll find a job that will take me a step further in my career, I worry about making ends meet. I’m not sure a job that is meaningful and fulfilling will also pay enough for me to achieve my financial goals.”

Class of 2024 student

The Class of 2024 is optimistic about finding a job that suits their skills and goals

About 7 in 10 2024 graduates are confident they will find a job or other post-graduate opportunity that will allow them to apply the skills they learned in college and build toward the career they want. For the 30% of soon-to-be grads who have a job or graduate program lined up, this optimism is proving to be justified: almost 9 in 10 say the opportunity they’ve committed to will enable them to apply their skills and build their career, and the majority say they chose this opportunity specifically because it offered a chance to grow and do work they’re passionate about. Notably, fewer than 1 in 5 committed simply because they only received one offer.

Students still seeking an opportunity

Students who have an opportunity lined up

What are the main reasons you chose to commit to this opportunity?

The Class of 2024 is concerned about economic trends and financial security

Close to 60% of 2024 graduates say the current economic news makes them feel somewhat or very pessimistic—a significant increase from 46% at the end of last year. This pessimism translates to ongoing stress about their financial future. More than half of Class of 2024 students say they’re worried about covering basic expenses once they enter the workforce, and more than a third are worried they won’t be able to pay down their student loans. 

The current economic news makes me feel:

37%

worry about paying down student loans

worry about paying down student loans

59%

worry about covering basic expenses

worry about covering basic expenses

Many 2024 graduates are apprehensive about the transition to the workforce 

Despite their optimism about finding a job that fits their skills and goals, many of this year’s seniors are worried about what their day-to-day work life will look like. Well over half are concerned about feeling burned out, and a majority worry they won’t enjoy their work or will struggle to advance. Additionally, more than a third are worried about feeling lonely or isolated at work.

When you think about starting your career, are you worried about the following?

”I am worried that after all the work I have put into my degree, I will end up dealing with burnout or not enjoying my work as much as I thought I would.“

”I am worried that after all the work I have put into my degree, I will end up dealing with burnout or not enjoying my work as much as I thought I would.“

"I am worried that after all the work I have put into my degree, I will end up dealing with burnout or not enjoying my work as much as I thought I would."

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

Job priorities

Job priorities

What is the Class of 2024 looking for in a job?

What is the Class of 2024 looking for in a job?

This year’s graduates are considering a range of factors in their job search. Not surprisingly, job stability continues to be one of their most important considerations, and a majority are more likely to apply to a job that offers a high salary and schedule flexibility. But for this class, two other factors stand out. The first is job location, particularly whether a job allows them to live near family and friends. The second is employer reputation, including whether an employer has demonstrated—through direct interaction, public-facing content, or reviews—that they’re committed to treating employees well and fostering a positive work culture.

"I tend to lean toward companies that are transparent and share their practices through various platforms. This tells me they’re willing to showcase their work culture and environment to appeal to potential employees."

Class of 2024 student

"For the right job and opportunity, I would be willing to move. But I would prefer to live somewhat close to my family and friends, as those relationships are very important to me."

Class of 2024 student

"For the right job and opportunity, I would be willing to move. But I would prefer to live somewhat close to my family and friends, as those relationships are very important to me."

Class of 2024 student

"I tend to lean toward companies that are transparent and share their practices through various platforms. This tells me they’re willing to showcase their work culture and environment to appeal to potential employees."

Class of 2024 student

"I tend to lean toward companies that are transparent and share their practices through various platforms. This tells me they’re willing to showcase their work culture and environment to appeal to potential employees."

Class of 2024 student

"I tend to lean toward companies that are transparent and share their practices through various platforms. This tells me they’re willing to showcase their work culture and environment to appeal to potential employees."

Class of 2024 student

While I'm confident I'll find a job that will take me a step further in my career, I worry about making ends meet. I’m not sure a job that is meaningful and fulfilling will also pay enough for me to achieve my financial goals.

Class of 2024 student

"For the right job and opportunity, I would be willing to move. But I would prefer to live somewhat close to my family and friends, as those relationships are very important to me."

Class of 2024 student

Stability, location, and employer reputation are top factors when considering a job

Stability, location, and employer reputation are top factors when considering a job

Job stability continues to be the biggest single factor influencing new grads’ application decisions, with 76% saying they’d be more likely to apply to a job that feels secure. For the Class of 2024, though, three other factors are almost as important—salary, job location, and whether the company has a positive reputation as an employer.

Job stability continues to be the biggest single factor influencing new grads’ application decisions, with 76% saying they’d be more likely to apply to a job that feels secure. For the Class of 2024, though, three other factors are almost as important—salary, job location, and whether the company has a positive reputation as an employer.

Which of these factors make you more likely to apply to a job?

Which of these factors make you more likely to apply to a job?

The Class of 2024 is willing to relocate, but wants to be close to family and friends

The Class of 2024 is willing to relocate, but wants to be close to family and friends

Seventy-nine percent of 2024 graduates say they’d be willing to relocate for the right job, and less than a third say it’s important to them to stay close to their college or university. However, the majority of new grads would prefer to live and work close to their friends, family, and hometown if possible. In particular, more than 80% say being close to family is at least somewhat important to them.

How important is it that your next job allows you to live close to the following?

"It is highly unlikely I will get a job that allows me to fully support myself, so I need to live at home to start. I also do not want to leave my community of people whom I love and trust, especially when I know they need me around."

Class of 2024 student

"It is highly unlikely I will get a job that allows me to fully support myself, so I need to live at home to start. I also do not want to leave my community of people whom I love and trust, especially when I know they need me around."

"It is highly unlikely I will get a job that allows me to fully support myself, so I need to live at home to start. I also do not want to leave my community of people whom I love and trust, especially when I know they need me around."

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

East coast hubs attract more applicants, while major California cities decline

East coast hubs attract more applicants, while major California cities decline

New York City is the most popular destination for Class of 2024 applicants, with almost 10% of total applications from this class going to jobs in the Big Apple—up from a little over 8% for the Class of 2023. Other cities seeing gains with this year’s graduates include Washington, DC and Salt Lake City, UT. Meanwhile, the share of applications submitted to metro centers in California and Texas has dropped significantly.

Which cities are trending with the class of 2024?

Employer reputation plays a key role in application decisions

Employer reputation plays a key role in application decisions

General brand awareness is a relatively minor factor in new grads’ application decisions, with only 28% saying they’re more likely to apply to a job if they’re familiar with the company’s brand. But a company’s reputation as an employer is another story. Seventy-five percent of 2024 graduates prefer to read reviews from current and former employees before applying to a job, and a majority are more likely to apply if they have additional insight into the employer’s culture and values—whether through direct experience or via content such as employer messages or videos.

94%

would consider applying in the future if they had a positive experience with an employer

75%

read reviews of an employer before applying to a job

73%

are more likely to apply to a job after seeing employer content

94%

would consider applying in the future if they had a positive experience with an employer

75%

read reviews of an employer before applying to a job

73%

are more likely to apply to a job after seeing employer content

"I regularly watch day in the life videos to see what the work culture and work-life balance is like. I'm not concerned with making a ‘killing’ at a company, I just want to do what I love at work, and be able to afford the time and money to do things I love at home."

"I regularly watch day in the life videos to see what the work culture and work-life balance is like. I'm not concerned with making a ‘killing’ at a company, I just want to do what I love at work, and be able to afford the time and money to do things I love at home."

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

"I regularly watch day in the life videos to see what the work culture and work-life balance is like. I'm not concerned with making a ‘killing’ at a company, I just want to do what I love at work, and be able to afford the time and money to do things I love at home."

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

Application trends

Application trends

Which jobs is the Class of 2024 applying to?

Which jobs is the Class of 2024 applying to?

This year’s seniors know they’re facing a tight job market, especially in certain industries, and it’s clear they want to pursue as many options as possible. The average Class of 2024 student has applied to more than 21 jobs on Handshake since the start of the fall recruiting season, up from 14 for the Class of 2023 at this time last year. They’re also applying to a wider range of industries and job roles, shifting some of their applications away from competitive spaces like tech and toward industries like government and manufacturing.

This year’s seniors know they’re facing a tight job market, especially in certain industries, and it’s clear they want to pursue as many options as possible. The average Class of 2024 student has applied to more than 21 jobs on Handshake since the start of the fall recruiting season, up from 14 for the Class of 2023 at this time last year. They’re also applying to a wider range of industries and job roles, shifting some of their applications away from competitive spaces like tech and toward industries like government and manufacturing.

“I received an offer to work for a federal agency while in college. After graduating, I expect to be converted permanently with a raise. Working for the federal government will open doors for me, and I’m extremely thankful to be in a secure position where I don’t have to worry about being laid off.”

Class of 2024 student

”I received an offer to work for a federal agency while in college. After graduating, I expect to be converted permanently with a raise. Working for the federal government will open doors for me, and I’m extremely thankful to be in a secure position where I don’t have to worry about being laid off.“

”I received an offer to work for a federal agency while in college. After graduating, I expect to be converted permanently with a raise. Working for the federal government will open doors for me, and I’m extremely thankful to be in a secure position where I don’t have to worry about being laid off.“

Class of 2024 student

”I received an offer to work for a federal agency while in college. After graduating, I expect to be converted permanently with a raise. Working for the federal government will open doors for me, and I’m extremely thankful to be in a secure position where I don’t have to worry about being laid off.“

Class of 2024 student

”I received an offer to work for a federal agency while in college. After graduating, I expect to be converted permanently with a raise. Working for the federal government will open doors for me, and I’m extremely thankful to be in a secure position where I don’t have to worry about being laid off.“

Class of 2024 student

The Class of 2024 is less drawn to the tech industry and more interested in government

The Class of 2024 is less drawn to the tech industry and more interested in government

As hiring slows in technology and professional services, the Class of 2024 is shifting their applications toward other industries. Government is the clearest winner from this trend—to date, about 7.5% of job applications from 2024 graduates on Handshake have been submitted to government roles, compared to 5.5% for the Class of 2023. Manufacturing is also seeing increased interest, along with construction, healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Change in job availability and application share by industry, Class of 2024 vs. Class of 2023

Students in growing majors are applying to a wider range of roles

The share of graduates majoring in computer science and business increased significantly between the Class of 2023 and the Class of 2024. Students in these majors are also beginning to cast a wider net in their job search, and are increasingly applying to roles that fall outside the most common or expected track for their field of study. 


For example, computer science graduates are submitting a smaller percentage of their applications to software engineering roles, while areas like information security and computer hardware are attracting more interest. Similarly, this year’s business graduates are less likely to apply to consulting roles and more likely to seek out positions in customer success, marketing, and analytics. 

Share of graduating students in top majors, Class of 2023 vs. Class of 2024

 Computer science

Business

Trending job roles for computer science graduates

Percent of total applications from computer science majors submitted to each role

 Computer science

Business

Trending job roles for computer science graduates

Percent of total applications from computer science majors submitted to each role

 Computer science

Business

Trending job roles for computer science graduates

Percent of total applications from computer science majors submitted to each role

 Computer science

Business

Trending job roles for computer science graduates

Percent of total applications from computer science majors submitted to each role

Long term, many 2024 grads would like to work for themselves

Almost three quarters of this year’s graduates are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship at some point in their career. Of those considering this path, the majority are drawn to investing or starting a small business, while about a third would want to work as influencers or found high-growth companies.

How interested are you in entrepreneurship (e.g., freelancing or starting your own business?)

"I have hobbies that are completely different from my current degree, and exploring them as a way to generate another stream of income has always interested me."

"I am worried that after all the work I have put into my degree, I will end up dealing with burnout or not enjoying my work as much as I thought I would."

I believe being your own boss is the ultimate goal. I have a lot of family members who run their own businesses and I like the idea of creating something unique and making something successful from what I’m passionate about.

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

Which entrepreneurship opportunities would you want to pursue?

"I believe being your own boss is the ultimate goal. I have a lot of family members who run their own businesses and I like the idea of creating something unique and making something successful from what I’m passionate about."

"I am worried that after all the work I have put into my degree, I will end up dealing with burnout or not enjoying my work as much as I thought I would."

I have hobbies that are completely different from my current degree, and exploring them as a way to generate another stream of income has always interested me.

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

Class of 2024 student

Computer science

Business

Trending job roles for computer science graduates

Percent of total applications from computer science majors submitted to each role

Computer science

Business

Trending job roles for computer science graduates

Percent of total applications from computer science majors submitted to each role

Conclusion

Conclusion

The Class of 2024 is driven to succeed

This year’s graduates may be anxious about the future, but they’re as determined as ever to launch successful, rewarding careers. They’re clear on their priorities—stability, location, and an employer’s reputation as a great place to work. They’re investing unprecedented energy in the job search, submitting more applications than previous classes and exploring a wider range of roles across industries. While their next steps might feel uncertain, one thing is for sure: the Class of 2024 is ready to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.

Methodology

Student sentiment surveys

Between March 11-24, 2024, Handshake randomly invited students across the platform to participate in an online survey. After cleaning, 2,687 students planning to graduate with bachelor’s degrees in 2024, from 616 institutions, completed the survey.

Survey weighting

In order to provide a more representative snapshot of student sentiment across four-year college students in the US, survey responses were weighted by gender, race and ethnicity, and selectivity using institutional enrollment numbers from federal NCES datasets.

Platform data

To determine year-over-year applications trends, Handshake tabulated full-time job applications created by Handshake users in their respective senior years (from August to March). Application share was calculated by dividing the total number of applications submitted to a given industry, location, and job role by all applications submitted by each senior class cohort. Job availability was drawn from the change in the total number of jobs applied to by each senior class cohort.

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