Attitudes about work change with the culture and economy. The 2024 Monster State of the Graduate Report gives us a snapshot about how America's youngest professional cohort feels about the job market and what they value most in a workplace. The key takeaways are that they're more pessimistic about their prospects than recent classes and that they prioritize mental wellness and flexibility in the office.

With many executives reporting plans to reduce hiring, it should come as no surprise that the class of 2024 is less optimistic about finding work than recent graduating classes. Sixty-seven percent of graduates said employers had more leverage, compared to 56% in 2023.

According to the study, which polled 1,000 college age adults between March 21 and April 3, 2024, 82% of graduates are confident they will get a job shortly after graduation, down from 88% last year. While 82% is still high, 77% of graduates reported being concerned about job security while looking for a role in the current market. What's more, 67% of graduates said employers had more leverage, compared to 56% in 2023.