Half of global millennials optimistic about career prospects: survey

Three-quarters of global youth aged from 18 to 35 are confident that they bring the right skills to the job market, with 54 percent optimistic about their job prospects, according to a survey published Monday by the World Economic Forum.

Despite serious concerns about widespread corruption, conflicts, the effects of climate change and missing opportunities for social and economic inclusion, young people remain optimistic. Of the respondents to the survey, 70 percent see the world full of opportunities and 50 percent believe they can actively contribute to decision-making in their countries.

Young participants fully embrace the potential of new technologies and 86 percent believe that technology, while destroying some jobs, will eventually be a driver of job growth. When it comes to their own career, millennials are looking for jobs that provide a fair salary (54 percent), a growth perspective (45 percent) and a sense of purpose (36 percent).

The survey noted that young people define themselves more often as a global citizen (36 percent). Another 22 percent see their nationality as the defining character, and 9 percent define themselves most strongly through their religious beliefs.

The survey also demonstrated that the 18-35 group has progressive values. More than half of all respondents are very comfortable with a woman leader, whether as direct manager, CEO of their company or president of their country, while 53 percent are strongly in support of same-sex marriage.

There is a more unified global response on the question of refugees. A total of 67 percent describe their feelings towards refugees as empathy, while 73 percent would welcome refugees to their countries, and 22 percent would go so far to accept refugees into their homes.

The Global Shapers Annual Survey 2016 attracted more than 26,000 participants from 181 countries and territories. Endit