The changing economy is changing teenagers’ interest in future jobs, according to a recent survey by Junior Achievement and Ernst & Young.
Teens today view the economy as improving compared with a year ago, according to the sponsors’ second annual survey of 13- to 17-year-olds. High schoolers’ career ambitions have shifted away from careers in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as away from the arts, while careers in the medical and dental fields and in public service have risen in popularity. The difference in the popularity of science, engineering and math jobs was more pronounced among males, only 24% of whom were interested in these “STEM” jobs, down from 36% last year.
The survey sponsors say the results show teens gravitating more toward jobs they are “good at” and toward jobs that will have an impact.
The survey also indicated that 45 percent of teens plan on taking out student loans to pay for their education, which was up from 33 percent in 2017.
“As parents, educators, mentors and counselors, we need to continue to give students the skills to become more proficient in the areas in which they need to advance and grow, as well as show them how all types of careers provide opportunities to benefit society,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA, in a statement.
Girls’ interest in STEM jobs remained unchanged at 11 percent. Among girls and boys, an interest in careers in the arts dropped from 18 percent to 13 percent.
Eight percent of teens surveyed were interested in starting their own business; 7 percent remained interested in careers in business. Both those numbers were the same as last year’s.
Parents still hold the top spot in terms of who or what influences teens’ choice of dream job. The survey indicated that parents’ influence increased from 19 percent last year to 28 percent this year. Outside influences such as social media declined from 15 percent to 8 percent.
Twenty-two percent of teens plan to get a job and attend college at the same time, while 30 percent did in 2017.
“With teens beginning to join the workforce and looking ahead to future careers, the timing is right to work with them to build and strengthen financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness skills,” said Gary Kozlowski a partner at Ernst & Young LLP, in a statement.