The crunch years: What employers need to know about under-18s

New research by communications specialist SAS discovers a shift in how under-18s see their future career choices.

Who is SAS? SAS is an award-winning digital marketing and design agency that helps organisations attract great people. We craft attractive employer brands through simple, authentic and emotive design. From in-school competitions to online talent communities, we build brands in the minds of candidates through compelling content and integrated campaigns.

Young talent is the new frontier. And our years of work with schools students and graduates means tangible insights into the minds of emerging job seekers. In April, we partnered with The Student Room to survey 1,000 UK students about career choices and attitudes.   

Get in touchMeet us in person. We’re in Central London, moments from Hyde Park or at the end of a phone.

Get to know SASWant to know more about our research or work with school leavers? Here’s where you can find us online:

SAS6 Salem RoadLondonW2 4BU

W: www.saslondon.comT: @sas_insightsT: @sas_creative V: vimeo.com/saslondon

Louise BarfieldT: +44 (0)20 7243 3232lbarfield@saslondon.com

They’re not who you think they are

Most already know what job they want to do

Chances are they haven’t thought about working for you

They want straight, honest answers to their common questions

They’re already looking outside of school for answers

They’re most familiar with…

What they want most out of a career is… But above allthey want…

What would I do on an

average day at work?

Will I still stand a chance of getting hired if I don’t get

straight A’s?

Could I be promoted within

two years? Five? More?

Is it better to do a summer internship or a sandwich year?

What subjects should I

study for the job I want?

“ ...to enjoy what I do.”

83%

Doctor

10%Lawyer

8%Teacher

7%

of GCSE and A level students know what

they want to do

A. IndustriesB. RolesC. Employers

A

B C

Prestige

Students say traditional professions are the most popular

And the employers they mention most are big, well-known brands

But…

StabilityOpportunitiesto progress

34%can’t name a specific employer they would

want to work for

75%don’t get the careers advice they’re looking

for at school

42%browse news sites for careers-related

information

34%would talk to a parent

butonly

16%would talk to a careers advisor

45%say they read careers blogs

They’re highly connected

spend over 10 hours a week online

74%

are frequent dual screeners

78%

browse using a mobile phone.

2 3rds

Student Beans, “Youth Insight Report”, 2012-13.

They worry about the future

“ I’ve seen how difficult it’s been for my older brother trying to find a decent graduate job. We all know it’s really difficult out there.” Student, state school, 16 years old

They’re self-reliant and mature

Agree that it is ultimately down to you whether you succeed in life.

54%

42%

Want to own a house.

2%

Want to be famous.

Rough Hill, “The Youth of Today”, 2013.