Across Russia, almost nine out of ten workers started in the service sector, a trend captured by an AZIMUT Hotel survey aimed at young people who wanted to understand what fresh professionals expect from early roles and where growth seems most promising.
The findings show a clear split in ambitions. Forty-two percent of respondents want to kick off their careers in the restaurant or delivery segment. Twenty-two percent see themselves in SMM and IT, while ten percent aim for the hotel business. For 26 percent, long‑term growth prospects are the decisive factor in choosing a field, even more than the immediate job function.
Education and work life are often pursued in parallel. A majority of 41 percent would combine work with studies if funds were tight, and 35 percent believe working alongside study is the right path. In contrast, 19 percent feel that study interferes with practical work, and 5 percent rank education as a priority, relegating work to a supporting role.
When it comes to breaking into the job market with no experience, opinions vary. Fifty-three percent think there are few entry opportunities, 26 percent believe a job offer will always come with effort, and 21 percent subscribe to the belief that persistence finds a path. The tension between the need for immediate income and the desire to build experience is a recurring theme in young people’s plans.
There is a common belief that any position within a large organization offers valuable exposure. In fact, 31 percent want to gain new skills, 24 percent expect continual growth through education and bonuses, 18 percent want to learn the company’s structure, and 27 percent say earning money for travel takes priority over other goals. This mix reflects a practical mindset: people want real-world experience that can translate into future opportunities, even if the role is modest in title.
Remarkably, 87 percent of respondents can name someone who started their career in entry‑level service roles such as refueling, delivery, or hotel work and later found success. Marina Popova, the human resources director for the company in Russia, notes that young people do not hesitate to get their first taste of service work, especially in the accommodation sector. The perspective is pragmatic: early hands‑on experience in customer-facing roles builds transferable skills, resilience, and a clearer sense of professional interests.
These findings are consistent with broader labor market observations. Early exposure to customer service, logistics, and hospitality often acts as a springboard into higher positions, even for those who later switch to tech, marketing, or management tracks. The service sector serves as a proving ground where practical skills, reliability, and client interaction matter as much as formal credentials.
Historically, many young workers view service jobs as a starting point rather than a destination. They value the opportunity to learn about business operations, pricing, teamwork, and problem-solving in real time. The survey underscores a shared belief that initial roles in service-oriented fields can yield long-term benefits—whether through skill development, networking, or financial stability while pursuing further studies or certifications.
Overall, the survey paints a portrait of a generation seeking flexible career paths. They want exposure to learning opportunities, a clear chart of progression, and the option to balance education with practical work. For employers, this means offering growth-minded roles with structured training, mentorship, and visible routes to advancement. For young professionals, the message is that starting in service can be a strategic move, not just a temporary stop on the way to a dream job. The takeaway is simple: experience gained early in customer-facing environments can translate into broader career advantages, especially in dynamic sectors like hospitality, delivery, and technology support.
As markets evolve, the question remains: where should new entrants place their bets? The consensus suggests an openness to varied paths—where the emphasis is on learning, growth potential, and the ability to support life goals such as travel or further education. The service industry, with its diverse paths and hands-on training, stands out as a reliable foundation for those who value practical experience and long-term career mobility.
In summary, the study highlights a practical, forward-looking approach among young professionals. They are inclined to blend work with study, seek meaningful growth, and view service roles as stepping stones to broader opportunities. This mindset reinforces the enduring value of customer-facing work as a training ground for tomorrow’s leaders in business, technology, and beyond.