The Talent Survey 2024 conducted by Universum Communications has revealed significant shifts in the career preferences of Swiss students, according to a statement. This trend is also apparent in the corresponding ranking of attractive employers. Universum is an international company headquartered in Sweden with a Swiss office in Zurich that specialises in talent research and employer market expertise.

Universum has observed an increase in the banking sector's reputation among students. The big bank UBS now leads the ranking of the most attractive employers in Switzerland, relegating the technology group Google to second place. UBS also climbed two places to fourth place in the IT rankings. Institutions such as Zürcher Kantonalbank and Bank Julius Baer are listed in multiple areas. There is a clear preference for job security in the IT sector in particular, writes the statement, while enthusiasm for new technologies is declining. The authors attribute this to factors such as waves of redundancies in the sector.

In general, remote working is no longer as important for Swiss students when it comes to their preferred job. Whereas last year they wanted to work from home

three days a week, now it's two. At the same time, the value of high future earnings has climbed to the top of the list of priorities. Women expect an average salary of 10,315 Swiss francs less than men.

At the Open-i innovation conference in Zurich in November, current managers and young talents will have the opportunity to network and exchange ideas. The aim is to build a bridge between science and business using various formats such as a Talent Corner. An industry hack will be held in partnership with Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) to allow young talents to practise solving the real challenges faced by SMEs. Open-i also provides access to the community of the SEF Swiss Economic Forum’s SEF.GextGen initiative.

Open-i is organised by NZZ Connect, a branch of the NZZ based in Bern. The conference will take place on 21 and 22 November. Tickets are available now. ce/yvh

Young talents seek more security

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