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It was also found that beyond technical and vocational skills, 45% of youths surveyed view interpersonal communications skills as key.
When evaluating a job offer, the opportunity to learn and be challenged at a job is a top factor that youth consider today, a new study by DHL has revealed. In particular, one in five (20%) consider this a critical factor.
The study, named the DHL GoTeach Youth Survey and published on Thursday (14 July 2021), also found that beyond technical and vocational skills, 45% of those surveyed view interpersonal communications skills as key, whilst 30% believe language skills matters in their ability to secure a job.
While this was so, it noted that of the 950 respondents involved, more than nine in 10 are either "anxious" or "very anxious" about their ability to find a job, with nearly 95% acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the process of job hunting.
Despite this, there is a sense of confidence as well as optimism among these youth - with 88% believing they are ready to enter the job market; of which, more than 70% expect to land a job in less than six months upon completing their education.
Apart from above, the study also revealed the following:
- About 38% of respondents regard traditional methods such as internships to be useful in helping them land, while job recommendations from mentors and teachers are equally considered to be key enablers.
- At the same time, online job portals are viewed as the least useful channel simply due to the "lack of the personal connection afforded by working as an intern or a validation by a contact," the study stated.
More surveyed prefer entrepreneurship as their first job
Looking at industries - of the 950 youth surveyed, more than 360 feel working as a healthcare professional such as a nurse or doctor is the "most recession-proof occupation"; while jobs in the education or government sectors are tied in second.
However, the healthcare sector still ranked fourth when respondents were asked for their top industry preferences - behind entrepreneurship, education, and hospitality/tourism.
About the study
The three-week online study saw close to 950 responses from young people above 15 years of age across seven countries – Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. This study was done as part of DPDHL Group's GoTeach programme, with the support of its global partners Teach For All network and SOS Children's Villages.
Photo / DHL
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