COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.,
May 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- New
2018 research conducted on behalf of Junior Achievement and Ernst
& Young LLP (EY) illustrates how in just one year after first
being surveyed, high school age teens' career ambitions have
shifted further away from careers in STEM and the arts and how more
13-17-year-old students are expecting to take out loans to help pay
for college.
- In a significant drop, 24% of boys want a STEM career, down
from 36% in 2017; girls' interest remains unchanged at 11%,
year-over-year.
- Among girls and boys, desires for careers in the arts dropped
from 18% to 13%.
- The percentage of teens expecting to take out a student loan
increased from 33% to 45%.
Career choices that have risen in popularity include the medical
and dental fields, as well as public service, illustrating that
what kids find most appealing about their dream job is that they
are "good at it" and can help people.
- Careers in medical and dental fields increased from 15% to 19%,
with girls far more likely to choose this path.
- Interest in careers in public service increased from 7% to 10%
overall.
- Starting one's own business (8%) and careers in business (7%)
remained the same.
According to kids, their parents still hold the top spot in
terms of who or what influences their choice of dream job. Parents'
influence, in fact, increased from 19% to 28% since last year.
Societal influences such as social media declined from 15% to 8%.
Other sources of inspiration include teachers, courses,
volunteering and extra-curricular activities.
"Teens today report they are leaning toward jobs that highlight
their capabilities, as well as careers that offer altruistic
outcomes," said Jack E. Kosakowski,
president and chief executive officer of Junior Achievement
USA. "As parents, educators,
mentors and counselors, we need to continue to give students the
skills to become more proficient in the areas in which they need to
advance and grow, as well as show them how all types of careers
provide opportunities to benefit society. JA volunteers, who come
from all fields, help students make these types of connections
about what they are learning in school and what they need and want
to succeed at work and life."
The survey data implies that teens today are viewing the economy
as improving. One year ago when this same Junior Achievement-EY
survey was conducted, the percentage of teens who were changing
career plans based on the economy was 52%. Today, that number has
decreased to just 40%. Fewer teens also plan to get a job and go to
school at the same time – 22% this year vs. 30% in 2017. However,
some data contradicts teens' awareness of economic conditions.
- The number of teens who have taken a financial readiness class
decreased from 33% to 28%.
- 81% of teens would take a work/financial readiness class if it
was offered to them.
- The percentage of teens that have a bank account decreased to
52% from 59%.
- 43% of teens expect their parents to pay for college, up from
32% in 2017.
"With teens beginning to join the workforce and looking ahead to
future careers, the timing is right to work with them to build and
strengthen financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness
skills," said Gary Kozlowski,
Partner, Ernst & Young LLP, who leads a network of EY leaders
serving on more than 40 local JA boards across the US, Canada and the Caribbean. "I was surprised to see a reduced
interest in STEM careers, which are taking on larger and more
important roles in the transformative age in which we are living.
Together, EY member firms and JA can team to help strengthen these
critical skills for the workforce of tomorrow."
Other Data Points
- 88% of 13-17-year-olds know what kind of job they want after
graduation.
- The two skills kids would like to learn most to prepare for
their dream jobs include technology and relationship building.
Methodology
This report presents the findings of ORC International's Youth
CARAVAN survey conducted among a sample of 1,000 13-17-year
olds. This survey was live from February 27 to March 6, 2018.
Respondents for this survey are selected from among those who
have volunteered to participate in online surveys and polls.
Because the sample is based on those who initially self-selected
for participation, no estimates of sampling error can be
calculated. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to multiple
sources of error, including, but not limited to sampling error,
coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated
with question wording and response options.
About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated
to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own
their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart
academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by
corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on
experiences that give students from kindergarten through high
school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness
and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million
students per year in 109 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.8
million students served by operations in 100 other countries
worldwide. Junior Achievement USA
is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more
information.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and
advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver
help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in
economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team
to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing,
we play a critical role in building a better working world for our
people, for our clients and for our communities.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or
more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each
of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global
Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide
services to clients. For more information about our organization,
please visit ey.com.
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SOURCE Junior Achievement USA