What Changes Are Coming with Gen Z Entering the Workforce

By: Irine Le

I’m a constant procrastinator who is mildly terrified of thinking about my life after graduation (which is a bad idea, considering I graduate college in approximately two and a half months). Thinking about entering the workforce just stresses me out. 

Scrolling through job sites, LinkedIn, and internship listings can feel overwhelming and chaotic, especially when reading the required qualifications for some roles. Why do I need 5+ years of relevant experience, a college degree, and a Nobel Peace Prize before the ripe age of 22 just to apply for an entry-level role?

For the last four years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have great classes and professors—but a part of me is still nervous to enter the workforce. Being a Gen-Z college student during 2021 is unique. We’ve watched our time as young adults be upended in the midst of COVID-19, forced to figure out how to go from in-person everything to online everything in a short time span. Even though vaccines have allowed us to return to some normalcy and enjoy in-person experiences again, Gen Z is still feeling the residual effects of the pandemic in the workplace. 

Hybrid internships and jobs are still a thing, and Zoom meetings aren’t going anywhere any time soon. What future changes are employers bringing to the workplace that will help Gen Z adjust and thrive?

For starters, employers are getting more creative with how they want applicants to apply for jobs. I’ve seen the resumé designed to look like a Spotify playlist that many employers have lauded. Many social media and PR-type job postings are calling for applicants to make TikToks and Instagram posts to showcase their personalities while answering interview questions. These are all fun ways for Gen-Z members to highlight sides of themselves that they couldn’t conventionally convey through a written cover letter.

Zoom happy hours and virtual coworking meetings are also pandemic-time innovations, and they look like they’re here to stay—since they both allow Gen-Z coworkers to get to know each other better.

Many employers are now offering more hybrid or completely remote options when it comes to jobs, too. This means Gen-Z applicants can seek out professional opportunities regardless of geography, and without having to worry about the emotional stress of relocating to a different city immediately after graduation. Though I’m constantly nervous about what the future holds for me professionally, I’m hopeful that more accommodating, empathetic changes will be coming to the workforce soon. 

Adolescent Content is always curious about how companies are working to help Generation-Z members out when it comes to professional mentorship. If you’re interested in hiring more Gen-Z creatives, reach out to Adolescent to learn more!