Over half of Canadian business and tech grads ‘feel stuck’ and consider job switches

So, you went to post-secondary, graduated, got a job in business or tech, and checked off all the boxes along the way. What now?

In a picture-perfect world, you love your job and employer, and live happily ever after, but when has adulthood ever been that simple?!

Survey says

If you’re feeling a bit on the fence about your current employer, you aren’t alone.

Capital One Canada recently conducted an external survey*, which showed that more than half (56 per cent) of recent graduates working in the business and technology fields are considering switching employers.

This is due to several reasons — many of which have to do with the lack of opportunity for career advancement.

Entry level, or beyond?

Nearly a third (28 per cent) of recent graduates say they feel they don’t have the required skills to progress in their career.

Almost half (49 per cent) of those working in entry-level positions say their employer doesn’t offer any financial support for upskilling, and almost two-thirds (64 per cent) say they’re likely to sign up for educational courses and take matters into their own hands when it comes to their professional development.

Taking the plunge, however, isn’t always so simple.

Although a majority of respondents say they’re considering making a move, 64 per cent of recent Canadian graduates in business and tech say that financial considerations remain a top barrier for them to follow through with switching jobs.

And really, with the shifting economic conditions and the state of the job market at the moment, who can blame them?

The difference at Capital One Canada

The survey findings help explain why organizations like Capital One Canada are doubling down on prioritizing a people-first culture and providing on-the-job learning and training opportunities that empower career growth for young talent.

For starters, Capital One Canada associates are actually given the time and resources they need to chase down new skills, which can include picking up a brand-new certification and developing technical capabilities.

This is on top of career coaching — a benefit traditionally reserved for executives — and mentorship opportunities meant to guide associates on their journey at the company. 

Capital One Canada associates can also sign up for online and in-person training through the Career Development Centre. There’s even an annual $5,000 reimbursement for tuition, books, and other fees for professional development. Want to level up with an executive MBA program? Do that with a job at Capital One Canada.

Another trend Capital One Canada is hopping on is embracing “no meeting days” so associates can focus solely on their professional growth. Whether that includes taking a course or meeting with a mentor, this time dedicated to “investing in yourself” allows associates to better balance work with their development. 

If you’re someone in business or tech looking to make a career move to an employer that will support your professional journey, visit the Capital One Careers page to see if there’s a position for you!

*Capital One conducted this survey among n=1,001 Canadians, 18 years of age or older who work full time in the technology or business space between March 10 and March 19, 2025, inclusive. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparison purposes, a probability sample of n=1,001 respondents yields a margin of error no greater than ±3.1%, (19 times out of 20).