Three career areas in the state sector have caught the attention of the younger generation, known as zoomers, as particularly promising opportunities.
In a recent survey involving over 600 young people from major Russian cities, 77% reported facing difficulties in job hunting. Among the obstacles cited, inconvenient interview times and multiple interview stages were each cited by 24% and 41% of the respondents respectively. Additionally, 29% viewed face-to-face interviews and 18% online tests as obstacles in their job search [1].
Interestingly, the IT sector is a popular choice among the surveyed young people, with 17% choosing it as the most attractive field. This attraction is attributed to targeted state-supported programs that blend education, gaming, and patriotic opportunities, offering academic incentives and career prospects [2]. These initiatives often focus on technology areas related to defense, such as drone design, coding, and electronic warfare.
However, the survey also revealed that 49% of zoomers are unwilling to complete online test assignments, with nervousness (38%) and psychological pressure during completion (54%) being the primary reasons cited. Furthermore, 31% of the respondents consider unpaid test assignments a waste of time, while 26% view them positively [1].
The survey also showed that 69% of the respondents do not consider unpaid test assignments an outright negative factor, provided the employer offers detailed feedback. Interestingly, 43% of the respondents viewed unpaid test assignments neutrally under these circumstances [1].
The IT sector's appeal is not limited to defense. Russia is investing broadly in digital transformation in science and education, enhancing infrastructure that supports innovation and research collaboration, which supports IT sector growth and capability development more widely [3][4].
The youth's engagement in IT is part of a strategic national approach to technological self-sufficiency and advancing critical sectors, supported by tailored education and recruitment incentives. This engagement creates a flexible and task-based recruitment pool for employers, particularly those connected to the defense sector, who benefit from early talent identification and recruitment to roles directly supporting military and technology development [2].
However, young candidates tend to exaggerate their professional experience and foreign language proficiency according to 79% of Russian employers, and 79% of young job seekers are found to overstate their soft skills development [1]. This can lead to inflated expectations and demands from job seekers under 28, as another survey revealed [1].
In conclusion, while the IT sector attracts many young Russians, job hunting remains challenging for a significant portion of the youth. Employers and policymakers should consider these findings to create more inclusive and effective recruitment and training strategies.
References: [1] [Your Source 1] [2] [Your Source 2] [3] [Your Source 3] [4] [Your Source 4]
Despite the IT sector's popularity among Russian youth, many face difficulties in job hunting, with 49% unwilling to complete online test assignments due to nervousness and psychological pressure. This may indicate a need for better self-development resources focused on building confidence and stress management skills within the education-and-self-development sphere. Additionally, the business sector, particularly those involved in finance and the defense industry, could benefit from implementing more transparent and efficient recruitment processes that accurately assess the skills and qualifications of potential candidates, promoting sustainable growth and innovation in the IT domain.
