Fifth annual Generation Global Alumni Survey indicates sustained positive impact for graduates in employment, financial health, and well-being
At Generation, we define impact as advancing on three different dimensions simultaneously: breadth, depth, and durability. Durability refers to how well our program outcomes last over time. In other words, we want our graduates to find high-quality jobs after graduation and stay employed for years to come.
To assess whether the positive changes our graduates make in employment, financial health, and well-being last, we track their progress for up to five years after graduation. One of the main ways we do this is through our annual Global Alumni Survey.
This year, more than 4,000 alumni in 14 Generation countries participated in the survey. This represents a 41% average survey response, up from 27% in 2023. In India and Kenya, the response rate was closer to 60%. This robust response rate allows us to gain meaningful insight into the lives of our alumni today, across Generation regions and program industries. Our alumni represent a diverse group of individuals around the world, who are often underrepresented in their chosen career fields: 53% are women, 28% have one or more dependents, 73% do not have a university degree, and 89% were unemployed before coming to Generation.
Survey findings are overwhelmingly positive: most Generation graduates experience lasting employment, financial health, and well-being after completing our programs. Below are some highlights from the survey, which you can explore in detail in the 2024 Global Alumni Survey report.
Generation alumni are employed in high-quality, life-changing careers
Today, 76% of Generation alumni that graduated between two and five years ago remain employed, a significant increase from the 11% that were employed prior to Generation. Employment levels remain stable over time, demonstrating that graduates not only secure jobs after completing Generation programs but also maintain long-term employment. In addition, the majority of Generation graduates successfully transition from entry-level to higher-level roles, with 63% advancing beyond entry-level positions within five years of graduation.
We want all Generation graduates to find high-quality jobs that offer pathways to financial stability, well-being, and career growth. We define high-quality jobs using our five-point framework anchored in the methodology of The Good Jobs Institute. High-quality jobs fulfill at least four of the following criteria: living wage, stable contract, full-time work, a clear sense of purpose, and a sense of belonging in the workplace. 77% of employed Generation alumni work in high-quality jobs, and this increases to 82% for graduates of Generation tech programs.
Financial health of Generation graduates is strong
Before joining Generation, only 31% of alumni could meet their daily financial needs. Today, that number has more than doubled to 71%. Even better, 36% of alumni globally are now able to save money for the future, compared with just 7% who could do so before Generation. Among tech program graduates, the majority (52%) are able to save money for the future.
Living wage attainment is a key indicator of financial prosperity and economic mobility. Before Generation, just 15% of employed alumni earned a living wage; today, 58% of employed alumni globally earn a living wage. Living wage attainment varies by region, with 42% of employed alumni in lower-middle income countries (Kenya, India, and Pakistan) earning a living wage, and 95% of employed alumni in upper-middle income countries (Mexico and Brazil) earning a living wage. Among employed tech program graduates, 79% earn a living wage today.
Alumni use their wages to create meaningful change in their lives and in their communities, and they told us that since finishing Generation they have been financially able to support their families (45%), purchase essential assets (42%), support further education for themselves (25%), start or grow their families (24%), and more.
Alumni report strong well-being and a desire to give back
Long-term career success is closely linked to graduates’ well-being. 86% of alumni feel optimistic about the future, and 83% feel confident about their ability to achieve their professional goals.
Additionally, 82% of alumni express a desire to give back to Generation. Across our programs, alumni give back by recommending our programs to others, mentoring new learners, and referring Generation graduates for job opportunities. They also volunteer to serve as Global Alumni Ambassadors, where they help shape the future of our programs by sharing their experiences, insights and feedback with the Generation team.
Opportunities exist to support long-term success for more graduates
While the vast majority of Generation graduates achieve sustained employment, not all have been able to do so. 8% of alumni have not been employed since graduation, and another 8% initially found work after graduation but have now been unemployed for more than one year. Addressing these gaps is a priority for us, and we are committed to working with partners who share our vision of lasting change for every single Generation graduation.
Join us!
We invite you to explore the results of our 2024 Global Alumni Survey report and to join us in working for long-term success for every person, anywhere in the world.
