Paris, September 12, 2024 – Sopra Steria, a major player in the European tech sector, presents a study on the aspirations of recent graduates from engineering, IT, and STEM fields across Europe and India. The study confirms a strong interest in breakthrough technologies (AI, quantum computing) and those serving the greater good (developed with a Green IT approach). Policies promoting work-life balance are highly sought after.
Regarding the international panel, key findings include:
- The technologies preferred by young graduates are related to Quantum Computing (60%), followed by Green IT (54%) and Cloud (53%).
- The top three factors influencing job choice are compensation (47%), career development opportunities (36%), and work-life balance (36%).
Louis-Maxime Nègre, Director of Human Resources at Sopra Steria Group, commented: “The results of this study illustrate the growing importance of disruptive technologies and societal values in the aspirations of young tech talent. At Sopra Steria, we firmly believe that technological innovation must be aligned with its contribution to the greater good. This is why we advocate for responsible artificial intelligence and integrate Green IT into our value chain while offering tailored career paths for our talent. Our mission is to create high-performing, sustainable, and impactful digital solutions".
Green IT Leads in the International Panel
In 2024, 53% of young graduates identified quantum computing as the most attractive field, followed closely by Green IT (48%) and cloud computing (43%). However, in France, AI remains the most popular, with 55% of graduates aspiring to work in this domain.
Louis-Maxime Nègre added: “These insights reveal an interesting trend: the appeal of a technology seems closely tied to its position on the Gartner hype curve. Emerging technologies captivate more, at least for a first job, than those that are already in the industrialization phase. For a company like Sopra Steria, this underscores the necessity of maintaining a strong commitment to innovation”.
Compensation Is the Top Criterion for 47% of Graduates
Beyond their technological preferences, tech graduates express significant expectations toward their future employers, particularly in HR developments. The top three priorities identified are:
- Compensation, as the primary criterion by 47% of graduates.
- Work-life balance, prioritised by 36%.
- Career opportunities, also highlighted by 36% of respondents globally.
Once on the job, HR expectations shift slightly. Work-life balance remains the preferred HR offering for young graduates (53% of respondents), ahead of career development programs (48%) and training (43%).
Regarding work-life balance solutions, several measures rank among the top choices for young graduates:
- Home office is widely favored — 2 or 3 days a week by 85% of respondents. This intriguing figure nuances the emerging trends of a full return to the office while excluding the norm of 100% remote work.
- Freelancing comes a close second (81%). The rise of freelancing as a preferred option among young tech graduates reflects their quest for flexibility and control over their work-life balance.
Sopra Steria: Ambitious Programs Supporting Innovation and Talent
Anticipating these trends, Sopra Steria has implemented several programs tailored to the expectations of young tech talent, combining innovation, cutting-edge technologies, and responsibility to design and execute major projects serving European citizens.
- A Comprehensive AI Program
The Group has rolled out a program dedicated to artificial intelligence for its 52,000 employees to integrate this technology into all activities where it can make a meaningful impact. This program aims both to train all teams in the use of AI and to embed this technology in all relevant offerings of the Group.
- Developing Solutions with a Green IT Approach
Deeply committed to sustainable digital practices, Sopra Steria also supports its clients in their ecological transition by delivering high-performance solutions developed with a Green IT approach. This approach incorporates solutions designed to reduce the environmental impact of digital activities while balancing economic performance with ecological responsibility.
Sopra Steria offers personalized career development opportunities, enabling talent to upskill in diverse sectors such as industry, banking, and aerospace. These pathways support individual ambitions while addressing current technological and societal challenges.
Leveraging its technological expertise and commitment to sustainable digital practices, the Group strengthens Europe’s digital sovereignty while addressing the strategic challenges of key sectors. This balance of performance, innovation, and responsible impact reflects its ambition to shape a digital future that is both efficient and ethical.
Digest of the study (Full report upon request)