How do Gen Y make decisions about their careers? In our most recent survey, we found one significant influence - role models. 72% of Gen Y would have chosen different schools, majors or careers if not for their role models - underscoring the influence that role models have on Gen Y.

Sixty percent said their role models influenced them in “selecting career paths and opportunities, while 45% said that role models helped them with “choosing a major.” Other areas where role models played a part were: “undertaking a project or challenge” (32%), “decision to attend college” (30%) and “choosing college courses to take” (30%).

Role models, drawing upon their own experiences, clearly have the ability to shape and guide Gen Y through a period of their life where major decisions are being made.

Most Gen Y had role models who they had frequent contact with. Many cited ”teachers or professors” (46%) or “parents” (41%) as role models. Less common role models included “friends” (19%), “family members” (15%) and “manager from job/internship” (15%).

Employers, for tips on how to support the Gen Y guidance process, download the whitepaper.