The National Association of Colleges and Employers asked 19,000 new graduates what they were looking from their employers. The answers were surprising.

At the top of the list (in order of importance):

• opportunity for advancement
• job security
• a good insurance package

In the middle:

• opportunity for self-expression
• creativity
• personal development

At the bottom:

• community involvement
• a diverse work environment

Most desirable benefits (in order of importance):

• medical insurance
• annual salary increases
• a 401(k) retirement plan 

Summary
What newcomers are saying is that they pretty much want from an employer what their parents wanted: a fair shot at advancement and an almost-1950s-style benefits package.

Tags: 401(k), medical insurance, national association of colleges and employers