Humanitarian students’ career expectations in the labor market

The significance of studying students’ career expectations in the labor market is responding to the need of appropriate empirical data on what professional goals university students aim at. The purpose of the research is to identify the career expectations of humanitarian students of the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia. Students’ career expectations according to the classification fall into three groups: financial requirements, social expectations and opportunities for self-realization. Employers’ understanding of the job seekers’ values enhance job satisfaction. Moreover, a stable working environment, compliance with the internal corporate values of employees, career opportunities and interest in work are important motivational factors for the younger generation. According to the results of previous studies, students studying for different qualifications have different requirements for their future place of work, salary and work schedule. The results of the survey study initiated in October and November 2023 showed that the majority of students prefer a flexible schedule or a five-day work week; more than half of the respondents plan to work in their area of specialization and contend with various career challenges and difficulties. However, the survey showed inflated salary expectations of the respondents and insufficient work experience, including only internships and work placements. The main factors influencing the successful employment of humanitarian students are as follow: field experience (88%), personal qualities and skills (64%), the reputation of university (32%). The last factor should be actively used by universities in promoting their educational programs.