Achievers and ConnectEDU's "Class of 2014" Survey Results Reveal Majority of Graduates are Optimistic About Securing Future Employment

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Apr 29, 2014, 08:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO and TORONTO, April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Achievers, the only true cloud-based Employee Success Platform™, and ConnectEDU, a technology company connecting education to careers, today announced the results of the "Class of 2014" survey, revealing what recent graduates expect of the workplace and what companies in search of new talent should expect from them. The fifth annual "Class of 2014" survey polled more than 15,000 graduating students across the U.S.

Most notably, the insights reveal that 72 percent of respondents are optimistic about their job prospects upon graduation. While Millennials have a record of being optimistic about finding work, this year that figure climbed nearly 8 percent from the 2013 results, indicating that employers should recognize that with an improving economy these applicants are becoming more confident and selective in their employer choices. Never has a recruiting strategy for companies targeting these job seekers been more important.

"Employees join companies and leave managers. The 'Class of 2014' report provides valuable insight and shows that this issue is just as important to graduating Millennials who rank management and mentorship as some of the most important factors in career success," said Razor Suleman, Achievers Founder and Chief Evangelist. "Smart employers are already equipping their managers with the tools they need to engage and motivate tomorrow's workforce in order to develop future leaders, and recruit, retain, and inspire this year's graduating class."

"By 2025, Millennials will make up the majority of our workforce," said Janet Sun, Vice President of Product Strategy at ConnectEDU. "Empowering employers with tools and research to target entry and mid-level candidates through the channels they already rely on will ensure companies can attract talent that fits both their skill and cultural needs."

Highlights from the "Class of 2014: Your Next Generation of Top Talent" include:

61 percent held at least one internship and 38% ranked their career-readiness an 8 or greater (on a scale of 1-10)
60 percent will apply directly to a company when searching for a job, followed by 45 percent who will search through a networking or recruiting event and 42 percent who will utilize their campus career services office
54 percent said career advancement opportunities are more important than salary when looking for work
77 percent of Millennials prefer to be recognized immediately for their performance instead of recognized annually for their years of service
83 percent ranked travel rewards as the number one reward that they would want most from an employer, yet 90 percent of companies offer traditional service awards like company-branded merchandise and trophies

The report outlines specific actions employers can take in order to better attract and retain top talent from this year's graduating class, including social recruiting strategies, on-boarding solutions for acclimating and motivating new hires, and recognition programs to engage the new talent pool, 71 percent of which expect immediate feedback from their leaders.

To view the full report, click here, or visit www.Achievers.com. Join our webinar on April 29^th at 1:00pm EDT to learn about the results from the report first hand from Achievers Founder and Chief Evangelist, Razor Suleman. Learn more about employee engagement strategies and practices at Facebook.com/AchieversCommunity and Millennial hiring at http://www.connectedu.com/experience-network.

About Achievers

Achievers delivers the only true cloud-based Employee Success Platform™ that enables remarkable business success. Designed specifically to meet the complex needs of today's changing, modern workplace, it is the most engaging software specifically designed to engage, align and recognize employees. It is software employees love to use every day in over 110 countries. Learn how your company can change the way the world works at www.achievers.com.

About ConnectEDU
ConnectEDU's technology solutions empower students by informing their academic and career decisions. In serving educators, students, parents, administrators, and employers, ConnectEDU helps progress learners and guide their transitions from school to career. Today, ConnectEDU serves more than 20 million registered learners, 5,000 educational institutions, and 130,000 employers throughout 40 countries. For more information visit www.connectedu.com or follow @ConnectEDUInc on Twitter.

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SOURCE Achievers