Young Workers Confident About Career Progression

Young Workers Confident About Career Progression

70 per cent of workers aged 18-35 feel they will progress, yet only half have a plan for getting ahead

New research from Think Education reveals that although close to half of young Aussie workers (44.2 per cent) are feeling -stuck' in their job or role, 70 per cent believe they will get ahead in the next 12 months.

However, the research also shows that just one in two (53.8 per cent) have a plan for getting ahead in their career, with women less likely to have a plan than men (49.1 per cent of women have a plan compared to 62.5 of men). Women are also more likely than men to feel stuck in in their job (47.4 per cent for women, 38.1 per cent for men).

'It's great to see that young people are confident about their career prospects in the next 12 months, particularly in light of the growing commentary around slower growth and rising unemployment," says Coralie Morrissey, the Executive Dean for Think Education.

'However, in an increasingly competitive market, it's vital that young people find ways to differentiate themselves, and have a clear plan for how best they can get ahead. It's a bit concerning that just one in two have a plan for taking their career to the next level," she says.

The Think Education Career Enhancer Survey polled 1,500 Australian workers aged 18-35. It also shows that close to 80 per cent of young workers (78.4 per cent) feel like they should be earning more than they are. However, when asked if they deserve a pay rise, just 67.7 per cent say yes and just 53.1 per cent say they want to get promoted (and therefore have more responsibility).

When asked to identify the biggest barriers to getting ahead, 43.4 per cent pointed to their workplace and the -lack of opportunities or recognition from superiors', and one in five identified the -need for further education' (19 per cent) or -lifestyle/personal reasons' (19.5 per cent). Meanwhile, 9.8 per cent identified a -lack of industry connections' as the main barrier.

'These findings seem to point to a degree of expectation from some young workers. That they don't need to have a plan for their career, that they should be earning more without bringing more to the table or taking on more responsibility.

'It's also surprising that less than 10 per cent point to their lack of industry connections as the main barrier. This can be incredibly important in getting ahead.

'Employers are looking for people who are confident, driven and flexible, who are passionate, and who have strong industry connections and solid experience. If you want to get ahead in your career, if you want more, you have to take charge and find ways to make yourself stand out," Morrissey says.

Other findings from the Think Education Career Enhancer Survey include:
One in two young workers (49.3 per cent) feel that their friends and colleagues are getting ahead faster than them
Almost 60 per cent (57.3 per cent) feel like they should be in a more senior position at work, or are feeling undervalued
A third (32.1 per cent) admit to implying their role is more senior or that they earn more than they do, with men almost twice as likely to do this than women (43.8 per cent for men, 25.8 per cent for women)

'In my view, further education can be a crucial part of the puzzle for people looking to get ahead. It can be a great way to kick start your career by gaining new skills and experience, and making valuable connections, and should be viewed an investment in your future and in yourself," Morrissey says.

'At Think Education, there are a range of study options available to young people, including online and blended modes of study, which means you can fit your studies around your work schedule.

'We also have strong connections with industry and offer work integrated learning programs so that students gain valuable hands on experience and are part of a professional network before they graduate. You can also make use of existing qualifications and course credits to help you get ahead," she says.

If you're interested in finding out more, visit a Think Education Open Day, details can be found here: http://www.think.edu.au/news-and-events/events