Tens of thousands of tech workers have lost their jobs this year, signaling to the next generation that the era of free meals and hefty stock options may be ending.
Previously favored employers like Google, Amazon, and Apple have seen their popularity decline among high school students, according to the 2024 Career Interest Survey by the National Society of High School Scholars. This survey, conducted between January 17 and March 6, included over 10,000 participants from the U.S., U.S. territories, and overseas military bases.
In 2024, Google dropped to seventh place among preferred employers, down three spots from 2022. In 2018, Google was the second-highest preferred employer and topped the list in 2017. Amazon placed eighth among preferred employers in 2024, also falling three places from fifth in 2022. Apple also saw a decline, moving from eighth place in 2022 to ninth in 2024.
This shift could be attributed to the tech sector’s downturn, exemplified by significant layoffs starting in 2022. A survey of 2024 college graduates by Handshake, a job search platform for students, indicated that 76% considered job stability the most important factor in job applications. Location and positive employer reputation followed as the second and third most important factors, respectively.
While Gen Z’s interest in the tech industry has waned, the healthcare sector is witnessing increased interest. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and Health Care Service Corp. topped the list of preferred employers for high school students in 2024. Healthcare issues rose in importance for respondents, with 32% identifying it as important to them, while innovation in science and technology dropped from 34% in 2022 to 28% in 2024.