In October 2024, Startuj Infostud conducted a survey among 1,805 young people in Serbia to gain insights into their views and experiences regarding the job market, job search and employer expectations. The results highlight significant changes that Generation Z brings to the business environment, as well as the challenges they face at the start of their careers.
Most high school students plan to continue their education by enrolling in their desired university or college (67%), with a small percentage considering employment, private business development, or additional courses. This indicates a strong orientation towards higher education as the foundation for future careers.
Satisfaction with current knowledge varies—about two-thirds feel they possess adequate knowledge for their desired job, but many are dissatisfied with their preparation for the labor market and employment opportunities. Employed respondents better understand job tasks and employer expectations due to gained experience.
The research points out serious challenges in the transition from education to the workforce. A significant majority of young people find this transition stressful, with over half dissatisfied with the support from the system and educational institutions. Women and older respondents (aged 20-28) report higher stress levels and lower satisfaction with support, indicating greater pressures they face. The main stress factors are indecision in career choice and lack of organizational skills.
Dissatisfaction with support stems from a lack of business skills, difficulties in finding employment, and inadequate financial compensation for entry-level positions. Solutions include strengthening collaboration with educational institutions, offering training opportunities, and providing better support for young people.
Young people expect financial security, good interpersonal relationships, job stability, and performance-based benefits from employers. They also value vacation days and job satisfaction. Employers, on the other hand, value responsibility, reliability, meeting deadlines, adherence to rules and procedures, and teamwork.
A large percentage of young people would not work for companies where there is a mismatch between the advertised image and real working conditions. Many are willing to accept lower pay in companies that align with their values, with a focus on respect, employee well-being, and social responsibility.
Regarding career optimism, most young people are hopeful about their future careers, although some express concerns about job prospects, an uncertain future, lack of opportunities for beginners, and nepotism. These fears highlight structural issues in the labor market. Younger respondents tend to be more optimistic, while older respondents (24-28) are often more realistic or even pessimistic, likely due to their past experiences.
Young people primarily choose careers in medium and large companies, with less interest in small firms, startups, or government institutions. The most desired fields of work are IT, marketing, and economics/management. Women prefer medium-sized companies, while men are more inclined towards startups, and older respondents tend to prefer small businesses.
