Standing on Guard for Canada : Millennials and Public Service Motivation

A recent survey of 19,261 university students in Canada revealed the Government of Canada is the employer of choice, among the millennial generation. Drawing upon the employer knowledge framework and public service motivation theory, we explore how the millennials make career choices, what they find attractive, and how public service can help them achieve their career goals, aspirations, and work life choices. Specifically, the millennials prioritized balancing personal life and career, pursuing further education, building a sound financial base, contribute to society, and work internationally as their career goals. They also want to work for ethical, socially and environmentally responsible employers, and they would consider an inclusive work environment and having diverse colleagues to be important factors when accepting employment. Overall, there appears to be good person-organization fit between the factors millennials find important, and public service motivation. Implications for theory and practice are discussed