As the talent acquisition profession evolves, so do the expectations of early career professionals. With Gen Z set to make up a third of the workforce by 2030, they’re reshaping how employers plan their campus recruiting strategies.
With insights from the 2025 Campus to career report driven by Handshake data, learn 10 key findings to help you target, connect with, and engage top early career talent this year.
For more stats, data, and tips from Handshake’s 3-sided network, check out the report.
10 key findings from Handshake's 2025 Campus to career report
1. Gen Z builds careers the way they consume—through thoughtful, content-driven brand evaluation.
2. Build your brand before you get on campus.
On average, it takes 8 touchpoints with a student on Handshake to have them take action or apply to a role.
3. A student’s major doesn’t always map to the role they apply to.
4. The most qualified talent for your roles may not be located where you expect.
5. Messages are the best way to create touchpoints that convert.
6. Fairs and events turn the flywheel of engagement with students.
After meeting an employer at an event, 75% of students say they're more likely to apply to a job in the future.
7. A hybrid event strategy is still important in 2025.
8. Improve your fair and event ROI by following up.
9. Outreach to early talent even earlier on their campus to career journey.
10. Alums from recent graduating classes are actively apply to jobs on Handshake.
Your 2025 campus recruiting strategy
In the 2025 Campus to career report, get the Handshake data to back these recommendations, and find out how you can update your college recruiting strategy this year.