E-mail this pageStudy of Young Professionals in Clinton, Franklin,
Essex & Hamilton Counties
At the request of the local Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the Technical Assistance Center at the State University for New York at Plattsburgh (TAC) conducted a study of the lifestyle and professional attitudes and choices of young professionals in Clinton, Franklin, Essex and Hamilton Counties, New York. A "young professional" is defined for the purpose of this study, as a person between 20 and 44 years of age who is following a career path*.
The Workforce Investment Board requested the study in order to better understand this crucial sector of the regional workforce so that it may assist employers in retaining and attracting the best employees possible. The study reports new findings as a result of a survey and focus groups conducted of regional young professionals. Information regarding national demographics and trends are also included.
Highlights of the primary research data include:
Survey results
- 54% of the respondents stated that they either plan to stay permanently in the region, or for at least nine years.
- 75% of the respondents stated that they were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their current jobs.
- 58% of respondents stated that they were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the community outside of their professional life.
- Regional young professionals ranked pay scale of jobs, educational opportunities, and number of jobs available as their top priorities in the area of economic/professional opportunities.
- Educational opportunities, professional development, and networking opportunities were rated as being most positive in this area. The variety of jobs, number of jobs, and pay scale of jobs were given the least favorable impression.
- The most important lifestyle opportunities for young professionals surveyed are recreational opportunities, community involvement/volunteer opportunities, arts and cultural opportunities, social gathering spots, and comunity identity and image.
- Of the preceding highly ranked lifestyle opportunities, community involvement/volunteer opportunities and community identity and image were generally well-provided for in the area. Social gathering spots and arts and cultural opportunities scored as "fair" or "poor" by nearly three-quarters of respondents.
* a career path is defined as a planned, logical progression of jobs within one or more professions throughout one's working life
Focus Group results
- There were differing responses among participants in Clinton County and and those from Franklin/Essex County. Those from the latter group generally expressed greater career and social challenges.
- Concerns about employers within the focus groups included pay level and benefits, and also that employers should encourage strong morale among productive employees through positive feedback and incentives such as extra leave time or flexible work schedules.
- The quality of life and variety of recreational opportunities were cited as a main reason for young professionals deciding to live and stay in the area in the focus groups. Being near family was a secondary reason discussed. Clinton County participants expressed concern with a lack of family activities and arts and cultural opportunities. Franklin/Essex County participants stated that there were few gathering spots for singles, and few upscale restaurants.
- Participants lauded the opportunities for community involvement and volunteer activities in the region but stated that they could be better publicized for newcomers.
- Young professionals stated that the region has good materials on which to build an identity, and image campaigns should be well thought out and comprehensively implemented.
- Focus group participants expressed concern with lack of cultural diversity in the region, with the exception of a few larger employers.
- In contrast to the survey results, a majority of the Franklin/Essex County focus group participants expected to leave in five years.
For a copy of the full report please contact the Technical Assistance Center.
Contact Information
For more information about the Technical Assistance Center at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
E-mail: tac@plattsburgh.edu
Phone: (518) 564-2214
194 US Oval
Plattsburgh, NY 12903