Rabat — A significant shift in career preferences has been observed among Morocco's top young graduates, who are now opting for government positions over private sector roles, according to a new survey.
Carried out by human resources consulting firm Careers, the survey gathered responses from over 1,000 recent graduates of Morocco's leading universities and business schools between June 26 and July 22. The findings reveal a stark contrast to previous generations, who typically pursued careers in the private sector.
The survey highlighted key factors influencing graduates' choices, with job security being the most important priority for 38% of respondents. Salary and benefits came second at 27%, followed by social prestige at 23%. Opportunities for career advancement ranked last at just 14%.
This shift reflects a broader change in mindset, with today’s graduates prioritizing stability over the entrepreneurial and international opportunities that once attracted their predecessors.
Among government ministries, the Ministry of Economy and Finance attracted the most interest, with 43% of graduates favoring it due to its prestigious assignments, strategic visibility, and solid career prospects. The Interior Ministry followed with 32%, drawing graduates interested in governance and public administration.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Environment appealed to 14% of graduates, particularly those passionate about green innovation, while the Ministry of Equipment and Water attracted 11%, especially among civil engineers eager to work on projects related to the 2030 World Cup.
In the public enterprise sector, OCP, Morocco’s phosphate giant, remains the top choice, with 41% of graduates expressing interest due to its large-scale industrial projects and competitive salaries. Other public companies attracting interest include ONEE (16%), ONCF (13%), ONDA (9%), and MASEN (8%).
Specialized graduates are also finding their place in the public sector, with the telecommunications regulator ANRT drawing 7% of tech-focused graduates, and the national tourism board ONMT attracting 6% of those interested in marketing and tourism.
The report notes that the increased appeal of government jobs is due in part to significant salary reforms that have narrowed the pay gap between the public and private sectors. In some cases, public sector compensation now surpasses private sector offers.
The survey concludes that engineers, business school graduates, and architects now view government employment not only as a secure job option but also as a path to professional fulfillment and social recognition. This transformation reflects broader shifts in Morocco’s economy, where major infrastructure and modernization projects in the public sector offer young professionals the opportunity to contribute to national development while benefiting from stable, well-compensated roles.