Tens of thousands of tech workers have lost their jobs this year, signaling a shift from the days of free meals and hefty stock options. The next generation is taking notice.
Historically favored by high school students, tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Apple have seen a decline in preference. The 2024 Career Interest Survey by the National Society of High School Scholars, which includes over two million members, found this trend through responses from over 10,000 participants in the U.S. and U.S. territories, as well as overseas military bases, collected between January 17 and March 6.
Google saw a notable drop, ranking seventh among preferred employers for 2024, down from fourth place in 2022. This is a significant decrease from its position as the second-highest preferred employer in 2018 and its top ranking in 2017. Amazon followed Google in the eighth spot for 2024, also falling from its fifth-place position in 2022. Apple dropped to ninth place from eighth between 2022 and 2024.
The decline in preference for tech giants could be attributed to the industry’s recent struggles, including massive layoffs starting in 2022. A survey of 2024 college graduates by Handshake, a job search platform, revealed that 76% of respondents prioritized job stability when considering where to apply. Location and positive employer reputation were also key factors.
While high school students’ interest in the tech industry wanes, the healthcare sector is gaining traction. In 2024, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and Health Care Service Corp. topped the list of preferred employers. Health and healthcare issues have become increasingly important, with 32% of high school respondents citing them as significant. Meanwhile, interest in innovation in science and technology dropped from 34% in 2022 to 28% in 2024.