Back-to-School survey highlights how
technology is key to helping millennials gain experience and create
their own jobs
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
- Four in 10 see a trend towards people in their field working
multiple part-time jobs, rather than one full-time job
- 82 per cent suggest having a great personal brand is important
as a freelancer, contract-based employee or business owner
- 68 per cent of respondents suggest having a great laptop is
important to success
TORONTO, July 25, 2016 /CNW/ - A recent study
exploring how post-secondary students and recent graduates from
across Canada are viewing, and
adapting, to the current labour market shows 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: 4 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 1
in 3 respondents aspire to business ownership and 1 in 2
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 & 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 3 in 10 say they do not
know how to establish a personal brand or sell themselves.
"Taking gigs likely means working from home, connecting with
colleagues remotely, delivering work virtually and working flexible
hours," says Elaine Mah, Director of
Marketing at Intel Canada. "Given this type of work environment a
fast, reliable and high performance computer has never been more
important. The latest Intel-powered systems offer the computing
power, security and mobility needs for all school and business
needs."
To that end, 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. In addition:
- 59 per cent agree having the right laptop can make it easier
for them to establish their career and
- 56 per cent agree "from organizing my schedule to creating
presentations to video conferencing, a laptop would be the hub of
my business".
Kourosh Houshmand, a social
activist, student and founder of Solar for Life which includes work
with more than 200 volunteers across high schools and universities
in Canada and has completed
projects in Kenya and South Africa considers technology as vital to
his company's success. "From managing day-to-day operations to
raising awareness via social media, a high-performing laptop
powered by Intel is the heart of my business."
Intel Canada has partnered with tech expert Amber Mac and a variety of student and recent
graduates who are entrepreneurs to chronicle tips and success
stories via an online video series throughout the summer called
"Student to Careers," presented by Intel Canada. The videos can be
found online on Amber's Facebook page: here. Additional information
can be found on Intel Canada's website.
Survey Methodology
Hill + Knowlton's Research +
Analytics team, partnered with Research Now to conduct an in-depth
study with 1,003 educated millennials (18-29 years of age). The
innovative research design combined those currently enrolled in a
post-secondary program with an equal number of recent
post-secondary graduates. The survey was administered between May 27 and June 13, 2016.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation.
The company designs and builds the essential technologies that
serve as the foundation for the world's computing devices. As
a leader in corporate responsibility and sustainability, Intel also
manufactures the world's first commercially available
"conflict-free" microprocessors. Additional information about Intel
is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com, and about
Intel's conflict-free efforts at conflictfree.intel.com.
Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in
the United States and other
countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of
others.
SOURCE Intel