Accenture Strategy’s 2017 U.K. University Graduate Employment Study reveals that the class of 2017–the first crop of Generation Z (Gen Z) to enter the workforce—holds traditional work values with a digital spin. The class of 2017 is willing to commit and ready to roll up their sleeves, but in return new graduates want an engaging employee experience that takes full advantage of their degree. Our analysis shows that large employers are best positioned to provide the employee experience new grads desire: a clear career path and stability, training and mentoring, and competitive compensation. Learn how large employers can attract and retain Gen Z for their future workforce at www.accenture.com/UK2017Grads.

2. U.K.GRADUATESARE
As they gain work experience,
recent graduates – the first crop of
to have entered the workforce –
warm to the idea of working for a
GENERATION Z
LARGE COMPANY

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A TAKE
ONTRADITIONALVALUES
Senior leaders will quickly see some shared values with the first crop of
U.K. Gen Z graduates, from taking ownership of their careers to
requests for the learning opportunities and work experience necessary
to add skills.
73%
completed an internship
or apprenticeship
88%
expect their first employer
to provide formal training

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MONEYMATTERS
The ability to earn a decent living is a top concern among U.K.
graduates. But it’s not all about the money. Another key concern is
work-life balance. While clear on their desires, new graduates are
showing a flexibility employers will appreciate.
83%
are willing to relocate
to another city
for a job offer
57%
consider it acceptable
to work evenings
or weekends

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GENZSWIMSWELL
IN
U.K. Gen Z graduates bring a valuable digital mindset, having grown up
with a device in hand. These true digital natives are comfortable
working alongside machines and artificial intelligence (AI) and realize
keeping up with technology requires ongoing learning.
68%
believe AI and other
advanced technologies
will enhance their
work experience
66%
have taken digital or
computer science
related courses
before their first job

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DIGITALNATIVESCRAVE
THE
It is not surprising that these digital natives are less worried about their
competency with emerging technologies. At the same time U.K.
graduates understand the value of the human touch and importance of
the softer skills in a world of robotics and artificial intelligence.
78%
believe their school prepared
them for the digital workforce
31%
prefer in-person
meetings

7. WHATCONCERNSGENZ?
UNDEREMPLOYMENTISONTHERISE
U.K. Gen Z graduates see a majority of their predecessors feeling
underemployed, working in a job they feel doesn’t require their degree.
Keen to avoid that same fate, 2017 graduates will carefully weigh career
development, staying only if an employer gives them meaningful work.
Almost three quarters of recent graduates consider themselves
underemployed.
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8. PAYSOFF
Learning and development plans as part of a
well-designed, engaging employee experience
become increasingly important for Gen Z
workers and can be the difference between
retaining and losing digital talent.
Companies that reward graduates' practicality
with a personalized, challenging employee
experience that takes full advantage of their
university degrees will reap the benefits.
more likely to stay with their employer for 5+
years if they feel their skills are fully utilized
with challenging, meaningful work, according
to recent 2015/16 graduates in the workforce.
U.K. graduates are
Copyright © 2017 Accenture. All rights reserved. 8

9. CROSS-TRAIN
Allow newer workers
the opportunity to learn
in multiple areas of the
company.
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MAKEITPERSONAL
ANDMEANINGFUL
Deliver an employee
experience that aligns to
the value system of the
new generation.
CHECKLISTFOR
LARGEEMPLOYERS
Large employers have an opportunity to attract U.K. Gen Z graduates
by capitalizing on the match between what they can offer and what
new talent is looking for.

10. USE DIGITAL NATIVES
AS A CATALYST FOR
CHANGE
Create initiatives that
leverage Gen Z graduates’
natural affinity for digital
technologies.
Copyright © 2017 Accenture. All rights reserved. 11
CHECKLISTFOR
LARGEEMPLOYERS
CREATE PAID
INTERNSHIPS AS A
POSITIVE TRIAL RUN
Show graduates a match
between what they want
as employees and what
you have to offer.

11. Learn more about how you can attract and
retain U.K. Gen Z university graduates for
your future workforce with our full report:
GENZRISING:U.K.EDITION
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