Entering The World of Work According to Tech Talent

Have you thought much about your expectations on entering the world of work? Have you wondered how to go about your job search? How many applications to make? How long it might take to get a job offer? Well, look no further – we’re here with some interesting insight that might help you in your planning.

The SAGEA Employer Benchmarking Survey 2020, produced by UK-based research company High Fliers, asked over 2,700 young people about their experience in entering the world of work. The survey showed some interesting insights into how you, our Tech Talent, approach entering the world of work compared to those studying other degree disciplines. Here’s what we found out.

The early bird really does catch the worm

Candidates who started their job hunting before going to university, or in their first year on campus, were most likely to secure a graduate position with their number one employer of choice. Students who waited until their final year of university before starting their job search were the least likely to have received a job offer from one of their top three employers of choice.

SAGEA’s Candidate Insights Survey also found that students in the ICT/IT group are less likely than other degree disciplines to research potential employers prior to university. Just 6% versus 15% of those studying a different discipline.

So, if you have your heart set on joining a specific organisation, make sure you get cracking early!

Work experience is important

IT / ICT learners are more likely to have taken part in an internship with their employer prior to receiving a job offer. That is, 17% vs just 9% of those studying other degree disciplines.

Where to look

Participants of the survey suggested that Linkedin, Careers24, Indeed, and Leap.ly are the most useful sites for conducting their job search.

The ‘why’

It comes as no surprise that the majority of candidates choose to work in the industry that is closest to the degree subject they studied. The most important factors when deciding who to join are:

• Training and development opportunities
• Overall reputation of the organisation
• Long-term career prospects at the organisation.

Students who studied an IT / ICT degree discipline are more focused on training and development on offer (76% as opposed to 64% of those studying other degree disciplines). They are also more focused on content of work (76% vs 60% respectively).

Signing on the dotted line

According to our research, you can typically expect to wait 1 – 2 weeks between your final interview with an organisation and receiving an offer. You’ll generally have between three and five working days to make a decision – so you’ve got to act fast!

In it for the long haul?

It seems like the tech talent of South Africa are a loyal bunch! 56% indicated that they intend on staying with their organisation for more than 5 years. That this is influenced by a range of factors including promotion / career development, remuneration offered, and internal opportunities

Another interesting insight: Financial considerations

Compared to other degree disciplines, those who studied an IT / ICT type degree are less likely to leave university with debt. They are also less likely to have had financial support from parents or extended family. With that being said, they are more likely to have received a loan/bursary from NSFAS.

So there you have it. We hope you have found this insight useful! Wishing you the very best for your hunt for the perfect job.