MINNEAPOLIS – May 23, 2019 – Jamf, the standard in Apple management, today announced the results of an independent survey on higher ed students’ device preference. In today’s hiring climate, organizations need to employ every strategy they can to attract and retain top talent from colleges and universities. The survey from market research firm Vanson Bourne, commissioned by Jamf, found that two-thirds (70%) of students today say they are more likely to choose or stay at an organization that offers them a choice in work computer – and 71% of students that use Mac or PC today either use or would like to use Mac if upfront cost were not a consideration.
What Drives Students to Choose Mac?
Across the board, Mac users have strong feelings toward the brand. When asked why they chose Mac, students cited multiple reasons, including ease of use (59%), reliability (57%), durability (48%) and synchronization with other devices (49%). The only dominant driver for PC users in picking their device was price (56%).
However, 43% of students using a PC agree that Mac provides better value in the long term than any other brand of computer, despite having a higher initial price point. Mac users overwhelmingly understand the value of Mac over PC and 80% believe Mac offers a better value. Mac users also feel especially loyal to their device – 83% of students using Mac want to continue using a Mac when entering the workforce.
The Next Wave of Workers Want Choice
Almost eight in 10 students today (78%) think it’s important for an employer to offer employee choice. This helps them to feel more productive, creative and valued, and 70% of students, regardless of which computer they own, say they are more likely to choose or stay at an organization that provides a choice in work computer.
“Employers are looking for top talent in a competitive job market. Providing workers with the tools they know and love is a key way to attract, retain and empower them to be their most productive,” said Dean Hager, CEO, Jamf. “The next generation of job seekers wants their tech to just work so that they can focus on their job. They see Mac as more modern, intuitive and reliable – and would like to continue to use it as they launch their careers.”
Summary of Key Findings
- 71% of students prefer Mac. Of our sample of surveyed students who use Mac or PC for education purposes, 40% currently use a Mac and 60% use a PC. However, 51% of PC-owning students would prefer to use a Mac if upfront cost were not a consideration.
- 83% of students who use a Mac for education purposes prefer to continue using a Mac when entering the workforce.
- Almost eight in 10 (78%) think it’s important for an employer to offer employee choice.
- 70% of students, regardless of which computer they own, agree they are more likely to choose and stay at an organization that offers them a choice in work computer.
- 43% of students using a PC agree that Mac provides better value in the long term than any other brand of computer.
- 80% of Mac users believe Mac has better value.
- In addition to liking the brand, Mac users see Mac as intuitive and easy to use (58%), longer lasting (50%), more secure (43%) and encouraging of productivity (40%).
To access a copy of the report, visit https://www.jamf.com/resources/e-books/the-influence-of-student-device-choice-on-the-modern-workplace/
Survey Methodology
This survey, conducted in early 2019 by global third-party market research firm Vanson Bourne, is based on responses from 2,244 current college and university students across five countries who currently use a PC or a Mac for education purposes to discover the extent to which technology choices influence their career decisions.
About Jamf
Jamf is committed to enabling IT to empower end users and bring the legendary Apple experience to businesses, education and government organizations via its product portfolio, and the 80,000 members of Jamf Nation. Today, 30,000 global customers rely on Jamf to manage 14 million Apple devices. To learn more, visit: https://www.jamf.com.