Dive Brief:
- Generation Zers are torn between hope and caution, according to data from National Society of High School Scholars sent to HR Dive. NSHSS surveyed 11,443 Gen Z students for their perspective on the future, finding that 94% said they were “extremely,” “very” or “somewhat” confident about their future after graduating college.
- Most (79%) still plan to have a job before or within six months of graduation.
- The survey also emphasized Gen Zers’ interest in social issues, underscoring previous research that showed U.S. workers’ interest in purpose-aligned work.
Dive Insight:
NSHSS’ survey painted a portrait of optimism for Gen Zers beginning their foray into the world of work: 84% told the organization they believe they can make a difference. Moreover, human rights, healthcare access and hunger were ranked as top concerns. These findings show a generation balancing a positive outlook with keen awareness of the state of the world.
Back in 2022, studies indicated that Gen Z’s career confidence was suffering. More than half of Gen Z respondents told LHH that they felt particularly anxious regarding their job outlook. More recently, research shows that some Gen Zers bring their parents to job interviews.
For employers looking to tap Gen Z talent — and bridge the gap between their hopes for the workforce and reality — studies show that ultimately, Gen Zers want real-life, on-the-job experiences that can’t be digitized. They also want jobs where they can lean into a growth mindset.
