Job advice for the class of 2022: Execs from SAP, Citi, and PwC on how to leverage the job-seekers market for long-term success.

Ebony Flake,Reed Alexander,Marguerite Ward,Josée Rose,Tim ParadisJun 18, 2022, 00:45 IST

C-suite executives advise new grads to consider more than earning potential when choosing their first role.Getty Images

Class of 2022 college graduates can expect more job options and higher pay.
C-suite executives advise grads to prioritize development over money when choosing their first job.

It's commencement time and college graduates are entering a competitive job market as US employers are hiring 31.6% more graduates compared with last year, and paying them 2.5% more than starting salaries for hires from the Class of 2021.

The market gives the Class of 2022 the advantage of a plethora of employment choices and a higher career-earning trajectory. However, C-suite executives advise new grads to consider more than just earning potential when choosing their first role.

Insider spoke with top leaders who shared career advice for new graduates. They said to prioritize development and relationships over money, and make sure graduates' values are aligned with their employers'.

The responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Tim Ryan, US chairman and senior partner at PwC

"If someone is not happy at home, it's hard for them to be sustainably satisfied at work," Ryan said.PwC

Jonathan Johnson, CEO of Overstock.com

Overstock.com's CEO Jonathan Johnson said recent grads should be on the lookout for ways to make their manager's life easier.Overstock.com

Nancy Hauge, chief people experience officer at Automation Anywhere

"You have to seek a place that is going to share your values." Hauge said.Automation Anywhere

Richard B. Handler, CEO of Jefferies Financial Group

"Find a job that you genuinely have a passion for," Handler said.Courtesy of Richard Handler

Sarah Dunn, global human resources officer of Tapestry Inc.

"You have to be you. Ensure that you're working in a company that respects your values," Dunn said.Tapestry Inc

Ravi Saligram, CEO and board member at Newell Brands

"Make sure you have good chemistry with your hiring manager," Saligram said.Newell Brands

Jennifer Weber, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for ADM

"I have adult children who are entering the workforce and my advice to them is, be patient," Weber said.ADM

Rod Little, president and CEO of Edgewell Personal Care

"Make sure your values match not only with the company but also with your hiring manager," Little said.Edgewell

Becky Frankiewicz, chief commercial officer and president, North America, at ManpowerGroup

"College graduates are walking into the hottest job market in history," Frankiewicz said.Manpower

Lars Seier Christensen, CEO of Saxo Bank

"Focus on what you love, not what you think pays best," Christensen said.Saxo Bank

Katy George, senior partner and chief people officer at McKinsey & Company

"My son just graduated from college, and I advise him to seek out great developmental opportunities," George said.McKinsey & Company

Sandra Ozola, global head of human capital at KKR & Co.

"Join a company that has a strong, cohesive culture that can help it withstand the challenges that may lie ahead," Ozola said.KKR

Chris Kibarian, CEO of Emsi Burning Glass

"More employers are willing to train, but the person who shows up ready on day one will still have an advantage," Kibarian said.Emsi Burning Glass

Bruce Larson, chief human resources officer at Carlyle Group

"I would encourage new grads to take a long-term view of their careers," Larson said.The Carlyle Group

Elizabeth Crain, chief operating officer at Moelis & Company

"Building relationships and developing deep experience early in your career helps build the foundation for long-term success," Crain said.Moelis & Company

Laura Miele, chief operating officer at Electronic Arts

"While career plans are important, it is even more important to remain open to new experiences that come your way," Miele said.Electronic Arts

Kate Burke, chief operating officer of AllianceBernstein

"Embrace teaching moments, be inquisitive, and ask questions," Burke said.AllianceBernstein

Joan McGrail, chief human resources officer at New Balance

"There is no shortage of opportunity," McGrail said.New Balance

Dan Healey, head of people, SAP Customer Success

Dan Healy recommends applying to SAP even if you only have 80% of the required skills.SAP

Jennifer Alessandra, senior vice president and chief people & communications officer at Frontdoor, Inc.

"Before going into a new job, understand your sweet spot — what you’re drawn to that naturally leverages your talent and approach," Alessandra said.Frontdoor

Sara Wechter, head of human resources at Citi

"Rather than thinking about how to move up, think about what new experiences and skills you'll gain from a role and who you'll work with and learn from," Wechter said.Citi

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