Young job seekers today would rather work for startups than big corporate companies, a new study suggests.

The study was conducted by software provider PayScale, Inc. and research management firm Millennial Branding. It found that millennials — also known as Gen Y, a group currently between the ages of 18 and 29 — are more drawn to smaller companies that offer flexibility, embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and don't restrict social media use.

"This report confirms that Gen Y is an entrepreneurial group, highly versed in social media, and prefers freedom and flexibility over big corporate policies," said Dan Schawbel, founder of Millennial Branding, in a statement.

This group is also attracted to large tech companies where innovation is prized, salaries are higher, and workplace programs and culture are more flexible. But the highest concentration of Gen Y workers are at small companies with less than 100 employees (47%), followed by medium-sized companies that have between 100 and no more than 1,500 employees (30%). Only 23% of this group works at larger companies with more than 1,500 employees.

Two of the main skills offered by millennials today are online marketing and social media — both areas with great growth potential, the study said.

As for the best location for Gen Y workers to get their start, Seattle was listed as the top large metropolitan area, thanks to its high median pay and the strong presence of tech firms.

Are you surprised that young job seekers prefer to work at smaller companies? Do you think jobs at larger corporations are less appealing than they used to be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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