A study by Avito Rabota and Rosmolodezh.Profi reveals that 35% of young professionals in Russia choose their career path only after entering the labor market. Among them, 19% made their decision at their first job, 8% changed their minds multiple times, and 9% are still searching. Conversely, 61% of respondents decided on their profession before starting work, with 35% choosing during school and 26% during college or university.
Practical experience plays a significant role in career selection, with 26% of respondents citing internships or part-time jobs as key factors. For students and non-working youth, career growth and development prospects are the top priorities (80%), followed by salary (65%). Among those already employed, 60% prioritize personal interest, 44% focus on market demand, and 30% value employment guarantees, while only 24% cite income as the primary factor for their first job.
Between January and August 2026, employers increased job postings for students. Vacancies for online consultants and auto mechanics grew by 133% and 130% respectively, while banking roles rose by 106%. Young job seekers aged 18–24 showed increased interest in engineering and logistics roles, with new resumes for PTO engineers rising by 148%.
The All-Russian Career Guidance Week, held from October 1 to 11, aims to connect ninth-graders with industry professionals. Additionally, the 'More Than a Job' project currently involves over 180 companies and 150 educational organizations to facilitate student internships and practical training.
