What Do 2025 College Grads Want Most In Their Job?

Monster.com’s 2025 State of the Graduate Report has just come out, revealing that 83% of this year’s grads think they’ll get hired shortly after graduation. Just over a third (37%) think it could take four to six months, and 5% say it could take them a year or longer to secure a job.

According to the 2025 State of the Graduate Report:

• Most grads are confident they have the skills required for entry-level positions and 20% actually feel overqualified.
• But this year’s college graduates also have a long wish list for their future employers.
• For 62%, the most important aspect of a job is a good salary, and only 12% say they’d accept an unpaid internship.
• Having a supportive work environment and a culture that aligns with their values is also something new grads want.
• Overall, 91% say it’s important that they feel comfortable talking about mental wellness at work and 71% say they wouldn’t work for a company that openly supports political issues or candidates they don’t.
• The top dealbreaker for new grads? A job or company that doesn’t have or offer work-life balance, with 56% saying they’d never work there.
• Another dealbreaker is a stagnant workplace, as 54% wouldn’t take a job at a company that doesn’t offer career growth opportunities.
• But money is important too, as 49% of grads refuse to accept a job that doesn’t come with a competitive salary and benefits.
• More than two-thirds (69%) say they’d be more likely to apply for a job that lets them work remotely and 42% say they’d never take a job that doesn’t offer flexible or hybrid schedules.
• A lot of new grads also think the traditional work week is a thing of the past, with 67% saying a “9 to 5” schedule is outdated and 64% calling the five-day work week antiquated.