The nation’s highest-achieving young students have named Health Care Service Corporation a top employer of choice.
The company ranked No. 3 out of 100 employers on The National Society of High School Scholars 2024 Career Interest Survey. That ranking is up from its spot at No. 14 in 2022, which is the last time the NSHSS conducted the survey.
“We’re incredibly honored as an organization,” says Shannon Fuller, HCSC vice president, Talent Solutions. “We pride ourselves on being part of the communities we serve but also being an attractive employer, and we’re grateful for this recognition.”
The online survey, now in its 15th edition, received feedback from more than 10,000 NSHSS members born between 1997 and 2012, also known as Generation Z. The report reveals the career preferences and attitudes of high-achieving U.S. high school and college students, and recent college graduates.
“It’s powerful for a company to be on this list because it shows that young people are aware of the organization and have a positive association with it,” says NSHSS President James Lewis. “Employers on this list share many of the same qualities Gen Z desires, like management having clear communication skills, being honest, and giving younger employees a lot to learn from.”
Nearly half of those surveyed are interested in going into medicine or health-related fields, and 38% prefer to work for a large corporation.
In addition to attending job fairs, partnering with local high schools and hosting hiring events at its Illinois and Texas health plan headquarters, HCSC has undertaken many efforts to develop itself into a top talent destination for young working professionals, says Fuller.
For example, HCSC’s University Relations department offers internships and early career opportunities for current college students and new graduates. In 2023, HCSC welcomed 135 interns into its 12-week Intern Program, providing mentorship and networking sessions, development and business etiquette workshops, measurable work assignments, performance evaluations and social activities with HCSC leaders who share career advice.
More than 70% of last year’s interns received offers to return to HCSC as a university new grad full-time employee. Nearly 60% accepted their offer and receive support through the New Grad program. The program offers an enhanced onboarding process, including setting expectations for success, monitoring progress, and providing opportunities to develop critical skills during their first year with HCSC.
More than 90% of NSHSS scholars expect to participate in an internship program, and their top priority is developing new skills and training, followed by the opportunity to explore their career interests, according to the survey.
They’re also keeping an eye on their next career move and seek out employers who will invest in them, with professional development opportunities (86%) and clear pathways to promotion (44%) as their most sought-after work experiences.
HCSC has received similar feedback from its young employees and is adapting accordingly, says Fuller.
The company is in the process of piloting a career path mapping program focusing on skill building and avenues for employees to explore a wide array of career paths after settling into their role. The goal of the pilot program will be to create an experience for new employees, who will receive a map showing where they are at in the company and personalized paths and opportunities to grow throughout the organization over time.
As the hiring landscape becomes increasingly competitive, HCSC and other employers are exploring alternative approaches to attract young talent outside of the traditional college route.
“We’re taking a strong look at skill-building,” Fuller says. “We’re focusing on the skills learned in school, not necessarily the degree that you earned. That’s a huge shift for us as a company and the workforce in general.”
