Survey reveals: Gen Z's most wanted university & employer pairs in 2025

Here is what we found:

Key insights

The power of internships and experience over prestige

Hands-on, practical, real-world experience trumps attending a prestigious university when it comes to landing that first job. 

Respondents overwhelmingly prioritize strong internships and work experience (37%) over having the name of somewhere like Harvard or Yale on their resume (13%).

However, half of those surveyed believe that both factors are equally important, suggesting that both academic credentials and practical skills can complement each other. 

This trend seems to indicate that universities should emphasize career-readiness programs, internships, and real-world exposure as these will better prepare students for the workforce.

A willingness to relocate for prestige

A majority of respondents (63%) expressed a willingness to leave their home states to attend highly ranked universities. 

For many young people, therefore, it looks as if the prestige of their alma mater is seen as a valuable long-term investment. This means leaving behind the familiarity of home. 

This finding supports the idea that access to top-tier institutions can open doors to career opportunities that may not exist locally.

Money over name recognition

While prestigious companies often carry significant clout, a whopping 78% of respondents would opt for a higher-paying job at a lesser-known firm over a lower-paying job at a prestigious company. 

Showing that financial stability takes precedence over brand-name prestige indicates a real pragmatic shift in priorities among young professionals; after all, it’s not fun climbing the ladder when you can barely afford to pay the rent. 

It also highlights the importance of smaller firms positioning themselves as viable, rewarding options for career starters.

The true keys to long-term career success

Work ethic and adaptability (48%) emerged as the most important predictors of career success, far surpassing factors like networking (20%) or leadership skills (23%). 

After all, you’ve got to be able to put the hours in and be flexible if there are any changes within the company or, to a wider degree, the economy. 

Only 9% of respondents pointed to a prestigious degree as the top predictor of success, challenging the traditional narrative that elite education is the ultimate key to a thriving career. 

This underscores the value of cultivating resilience and flexibility in an ever-changing job market.

Job security still reigns supreme

When asked to choose between job security and career growth, 56% of respondents favored the former. 

Again, having some financial security is considered important when there are broader, global economic uncertainties, and reflects the lasting impact of the financial challenges experienced by many during the pandemic. 

That’s not to say that career growth isn’t important, however, a significant 44% of young adults still prioritized it, showing that ambition and risk-taking are still important to nearly half of them.

The cost of ambition in high-cost cities

Just over half (52%) are willing to start a career in high-cost cities such as New York or San Francisco, while 48% disagree with the concept. 

These urban hubs entertainment opportunities, a profusion of things to do, entertainment opportunities, and, of course, increased job opportunities. 

But they all come at a price - namely the realities of skyrocketing living expenses divide shows that companies in high-cost areas need to offer competitive salaries and relocation support if they want to attract top talent.

Home state advantage: practical pairings

The survey also found some very interesting insights into the pairing of companies and universities. 

Choices like Arizona State University and Intel Corporation, or Kansas State University and Garmin reflect a practical focus on staying local while also tapping into regional industries. 

This balance of proximity and opportunity allows young professionals to begin their careers in familiar environments while also gaining valuable industry experience - so it’s a win-win.

Balancing prestige and practicality

Overall, these findings suggest a delicate balancing act for today’s young professionals.

While many still value the prestige of a top university or company, their ultimate priorities, understandably, involve financial stability, meaningful experience, and long-term adaptability. 

To help young people feel supported as they start climbing the career ladder, both employers and educators can use these insights to help create opportunities that combine prestige with practicality, giving them the best of both worlds.

Final thoughts

The survey seems to indicate that the modern career path is no longer just about prestige— i.e. having the ‘right’ names on your resume. More important is finding the right balance between ambition, financial stability, and adaptability. 

Young professionals are — perhaps rightly—prioritizing hands-on experience, resilience, and personal growth over the traditional markers of success such as a prestigious degree or a high-profile employer.

This shows that universities and companies need to align what they offer with the practical realities and aspirations particular to this new generation of talent. 

And it seems the message is clear: success isn’t just about where you start from, it’s how you grow and adapt along the way.