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Today's business graduates won't be happy being tied
to one role or one country for their entire career.

Business graduates eye worldwide market for career

DUBAI, April 12, 2015

A whopping 89 per cent of business students are prepared to move countries regularly for the right job, demonstrating that today's business graduates are coming into the workforce with a global mindset, a report said.

A majority of leading business students (60 per cent) are worried that another global financial crisis would significantly impact their career prospects when they enter the workforce, added the study conducted by KPMG, a global network of professional firms, in conjunction with the KPMG International Case Competition (KICC).

 Just under half (46 per cent) of those surveyed also think that current global instability will make it harder for them to find a job once they finish their studies.

The KPMG survey, conducted over 300 business students from leading universities and business schools in 27 different countries, sought to understand the expectations and drivers of today's leading business students - tomorrow's business leaders.

In addition to the students' concerns about global instability, and a clear willingness to travel for the right job, they were also very clear that they are looking for rewards from their career that go beyond pay and benefits.

The vast majority of students (89 per cent) said it was important that the work they do in the future 'drives positive and sustainable change in society'. An even greater majority (92 per cent) said it was important that the organisation they work for contributes to a better world.

Sixty seven per cent of the students said they had a clear idea of which profession they wanted to work in once they finish their studies. The most popular choices of the business-focused students were 'finance' (44 per cent) and 'professional services' (23 per cent).

Despite only ten per cent selecting 'technology' as their chosen profession, 66 per cent said they thought that this industry would be the most successful over the next 20 years.

Rachel Campbell, global head of People, KPMG International said: "The survey results echo my own experience talking to top graduate talent. This generation understands that the global economic outlook remains challenging and is looking globally for the right career opportunities to match their ambition and abilities.”

“These graduates won't be happy being tied to one role or one country for their entire career, and many could go on to have two or three different careers - any organization that can genuinely offer multiple careers in many different countries has an opportunity to differentiate itself. This makes it very important that business offers mobility as well as a variety of career paths,” she added.

Only 23 per cent of students thought it was 'somewhat likely' or 'very likely' that they would work for the same company for their entire career, with 27 per cent thinking it was 'not likely at all'. Nearly all of the students (94 per cent) felt that having an extensive global network was an important part of building a good career.

Iain McLaughlin, head of Global Talent, KPMG International said: "Competition for top talent is intensifying across all sectors; it has never been more important for employers to understand what graduates are looking for. While students may have a clear idea of the profession they want to work in, they are also prepared to be very analytical in choosing the right organization for them and will not be afraid to move firms or even geography to find the right opportunity."

The KPMG International Case Competition (KICC) final is taking place in Dubai, UAE from April 13 to 16.

Teams of four students from 28 countries are competing in challenges to review and develop solutions to a number of business case studies.

Teams will be judged by a panel of senior KPMG Partners. This year, the event is being held in association with Emirates, headquartered in Dubai and one of the most dynamic and innovative airlines in the world. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Jobs | KPMG | Business students | KICC | Case competition |

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