Why Investing in Early Career Talent is Good Business

Why Investing in Early Career Talent is Good Business Partnering with Education at Work In a highly competitive labor market, where skilled and adaptable talent is in high demand, investing in early career talent offers employers a strategic advantage. In today’s competitive labor market, the demand for skilled, adaptable talent has never been higher. Investing in early career talent has become a powerful strategy for employers seeking to secure their future. By partnering with organizations like Education at Work, companies can access a pipeline of motivated, tech-savvy college students eager to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the workforce. This blog explores why investing in early career talent is not only beneficial for the future workforce but also an innovative, forward-thinking business decision for today’s employers.   The Challenge: Attracting and Retaining Skilled Talent Employers across industries face a common challenge: attracting and retaining qualified talent. With unemployment rates for skilled workers at historic lows, competition for top talent is fierce. According to a survey from ManpowerGroup, nearly 70% of companies report talent shortages, and many need help filling key roles, particularly those requiring advanced digital skills and adaptability. This shortage often means higher costs as companies compete to attract mid-career professionals or need to increase wages to retain current employees. Additionally, younger generations of workers, such as Gen Z, have shifted workplace expectations. They seek career development, purpose-driven work, and flexibility, often leading them to pursue roles offering growth and stability over traditional career tracks. These expectations make employers need to reimagine their talent strategy to include younger talent ready to grow within the organization.   The High Costs of Turnover and Recruitment Turnover is costly – and not just in terms of direct recruitment expenses. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) estimates that the average cost per hire is around $4,700, and for roles that require specialized skills, this figure can exceed $10,000. Additionally, the expenses related to lost productivity, training, and onboarding can further stretch budgets. (Fit Small Business) Gallup reports that U.S. businesses lose nearly $1 trillion yearly due to voluntary turnover. When companies can’t retain employees, they face higher recruitment costs and disruptions to their operations, which can hurt team morale and reduce productivity. By hiring students early in their careers, companies can address these pain points more effectively. With the proper onboarding and mentorship, students are often more likely to grow and stay within an organization, saving employers time and money. (Gallup)   The Benefits of Hiring Student Employees Financial Returns: Hiring early career talent presents a clear financial upside. Students entering the workforce through a structured program, like those offered by Education at Work, bring relevant skills at a competitive cost. Organizations benefit from a lower cost-per-hire and have the potential to shape these young professionals to fit their company culture and needs. Employers can reduce their reliance on expensive recruiting tactics by investing in students who become long-term contributors, thus minimizing turnover costs. Enhanced Company Culture: Working with students fosters a culture of growth and mentorship within organizations. Seasoned employees become mentors, creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and promoting leadership skills. This development culture can attract more high-potential employees and enhance team morale, as employees at all levels contribute to developing the next generation of talent. Diversity and Innovation: Student hires bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the workplace. Partnering with organizations like Education at Work ensures that companies access a diverse range of talented young people who can contribute innovative solutions to modern challenges. This infusion of diverse perspectives helps organizations stay agile, culturally aware, and forward-thinking – essential qualities in today’s fast-paced business landscape.   Why Partner with Education at Work? Education at Work specializes in connecting employers with college students who are eager to build their skills. These partnerships allow businesses to address immediate staffing needs and foster long-term workforce development. Employers can create a robust early talent pipeline by investing in student talent through a dedicated program, supporting sustainable growth and competitive advantage. When businesses invest in early career talent, they aren’t just hiring for the present – they’re building a more agile, resilient, and innovative future. Partnering with Education at Work ensures employers can access motivated, skilled students ready to contribute and grow, making it a win-win strategy for today and tomorrow.  Contact us to learn more. Linkedin Facebook Instagram

The Career-Boosting Benefits of Networking as a Student

The Career-Boosting Benefits of Networking as a Student How Building Connections Now Can Shape Your Future Success Networking is one of the most critical ways students can enhance their career prospects while still in school. For students at Education at Work, networking isn’t just a buzzword but a vital step toward a successful career. By strategically connecting with peers, mentors, and professionals, they’re investing in a support system to empower their career journey now and long into the future. In today’s competitive job market, success often hinges on more than just skills and knowledge—it’s also about who you know. As a student, building a solid professional network while still in school can unlock doors you never imagined, from valuable career guidance to exclusive job opportunities. Studies suggest that a staggering 85% of jobs are filled through networking, underscoring the importance of cultivating these connections early.  Why Networking Matters Early For Education at Work students, networking can lead to valuable mentorship, references, and future job opportunities. We often give students unique access to professionals they might not encounter otherwise, such as supervisors, colleagues, and clients at Fortune 500 companies. These connections can prove invaluable when you transition into full-time employment, providing a competitive edge by tapping into “who you know” as much as “what you know.” Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that 60% of hiring managers consider a candidate’s networking connections when making hiring decisions. Building a strong student network isn’t just about making contacts; it’s about laying a foundation for your career. How to Effectively Network In Your Education at Work  Student Job Engage with Colleagues: Make an effort to build relationships with the people you work with. Get to know your supervisors, ask them about their career paths, and tell them about your interests and goals. Showing genuine interest in others and asking questions can help you learn from their experiences and establish rapport. Attend Company Events or Webinars: Attending Education at Work events allows you to connect with employees in different departments, expanding your understanding of the organization and giving you a broader network of contacts. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to senior staff—these people may advocate for you in future roles. Utilize LinkedIn: If you haven’t already, set up a LinkedIn profile and connect with the people you meet through your Education at Work student job. Keep your profile updated with your achievements and projects, as it provides a professional platform to stay in touch with contacts and showcase your growth. LinkedIn data shows that students who connect with professionals are more likely to be approached by recruiters and potential employers.     Pro Tips for Successful Student Networking Follow-Up: After meeting someone at an event or receiving mentorship from a supervisor, send a follow-up email or message. A simple “thank you” can make a lasting impression and help keep your name at the forefront of an employer’s mind. Sending a message after a job milestone or sharing relevant industry insights are great follow-ups. Following up shows that you value your connections. Leverage Alumni Networks: Many colleges and universities have alumni eager to help students from their alma mater. Education at Work has an alumni group on LinkedIn to encourage fellow alums to reconnect, share experiences, and actively support each other’s career journeys. Tap into these resources by attending alumni events, reaching out on LinkedIn, or participating in school-sponsored networking programs. Look for individuals who inspire you or have careers that align with your goals. Mentors can offer guidance, answer questions, and advise on navigating early career growth challenges. Many people are willing to mentor if you show initiative and respect for their time.   In conclusion, networking as a student is more than just meeting people—it’s about building a support system and creating opportunities for your future career. Whether you’re connecting with colleagues, alumni, or professionals in your field, each relationship strengthens your career foundation and opens doors to potential mentorships, job opportunities, and valuable industry insights. Don’t miss out on the chance to build your network while gaining real-world experience. Take the next step toward your career by exploring our current student job openings! These roles offer professional experience and valuable networking opportunities to help you thrive in the job market. Linkedin Facebook Instagram