Web 2.0andsocial networkingare changing the way
young people look for and embark on careers, according to research
commissioned byrecruiterHarvey Nash and carried out
by research firm YouGov.
The survey showed many lack direction and support in their
career development and are turning to the internet for
guidance.
The
IT industry, especially, provides little help for newcomers,
Harvey Nash chief executive, Albert Ellis, said.
"The IT industry, on the technical side, is very poorly advised
from a career point of view. This is compared to accountancy, for
example, where there is lots of structure and advice," he said.
Ellis advised young workers to speak to head-hunters.
"IT is a new profession and there is not very much around at
all. We are looking at that, and seeing if we can fill the gap. The
best source of advice is recruiters and headhunters, and workers
should make use of their knowledge. They understand what is in
demand, and it is a good idea to keep a dialogue with them," Ellis
said.
Two-thirds of the 1,054 young workers quizzed during the YouGov
research had not decided on a career by the time they left
full-time education, and were unsure where to turn for careers
advice.
The survey showed that they are increasingly likely to use
social networking sites such as Facebook or Bebo, with the survey
reporting that a quarter would use networking and a third
consulting online forums or blogs.
Ellis said, "The rudderless approach young people are taking to
the early stage of their careers has a serious knock-on effect for
business. We need to engage young people in their career choices
early."