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German students prioritize job security over salary in recent survey
A survey conducted by EY involving more than 2,000 students across Germany indicates a shift in employment priorities. According to the results, job security has become the most important factor for students, with 52 percent identifying future-proof employment as their top criterion. This represents a reversal from 2024, when salary was the primary concern.
Female students reported a higher emphasis on job security (57 percent) compared to male students (47 percent). Salary and the prospect of raises ranked second at 43 percent, with women also placing a higher value on this factor (48 percent) than men (38 percent). Flexible working hours were ranked third, cited by 42 percent of respondents.
In a separate context regarding financial independence for young people starting apprenticeships, Jacqueline Felder of Kreissparkasse Köln advises on managing first salaries. Recommendations include setting up a checking account, using digital tools like the Sparkasse app to track expenses, and establishing regular saving habits to benefit from compound interest.
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- [● 2 SOURCES] Salary and potential raises were ranked second by 43 percent of respondents. www.augsburger-allgemeine.de · www.suedkurier.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] EY surveyed more than 2,000 students across Germany in spring 2026. www.augsburger-allgemeine.de · www.suedkurier.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] In 2024, salary was the top priority for 47 percent of students. www.augsburger-allgemeine.de · www.suedkurier.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] 52 percent of surveyed students prioritize job security as their most important job criterion. www.augsburger-allgemeine.de · www.suedkurier.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] 57 percent of female students prioritize job security compared to 47 percent of male students. www.augsburger-allgemeine.de · www.suedkurier.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jacqueline Felder is the head of the Kürten branch of Kreissparkasse Köln. in-gl.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Flexible working hours were ranked third by 42 percent of students. www.augsburger-allgemeine.de · www.suedkurier.de