In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about millennials, from what they like to what they mean for the economy. But, there’s a new generation in town’Generation Z. Gen Zers were born between 1995 and 2010, meaning they are just starting to enter the workforce.
While these young people share several traits with their millennial predecessors, they also differ in important ways.
First and foremost, Generation Z are true digital natives. 92 percent have some sort of digital footprint. Because of this, they are excellent multitaskers and are used to being globally connected. Gen Z is also competitive and entrepreneurial, starting early to achieve goals. Even so, the generation is said to be motivated by security, having seen their parents struggle during the Great Recession.
With these traits in mind, Gen Z will bring new skills and perspectives to the workforce. But what are the best jobs for Generation Z?
If you are a part of Generation Z and are looking to enter the workforce, consider these occupations:
- Database Management: Multitaskers by nature, members of Gen Z could excel in this career, which requires analytical and problem-solving skills. A Database manager’s typical day involves ensuring data is secure, backing data up, ensuring databases operate efficiently and identifying user needs to create databases. Because Generation Z grew up with technology and are able to switch from device to device with ease, they could fulfill these duties.1
- Cosmetologist: Members of Gen Z are digital natives, but they also value authentic communication. Additionally, they care about individuality, and 72 percent say they would like to start a business one day. Becoming a cosmetologist ticks many of those boxes. Cosmetologists need creativity and excellent listening and customer service skills. Many are self-employed. With a growing population and hair treatment trends at an all time high, the need for cosmetologists is expected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028.2
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning: Gen Z doesn’t want to wait around for success. At the same time, the generation is motivated by security. A trade job could be the perfect combination of the two.1 Becoming an HVAC specialist is one example. Typically, these workers install, clean and maintain HVAC systems. Those in this field typically need some postsecondary education, usually lasting about 6 months to a year.1 But, the payoff could be there; the field is projected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to 2028 as HVAC systems are updated to be more energy efficient.2
- Sales: Sales is job for a communicative, analytical person. Typical tasks associated with sales are resolving customer complaints regarding sales and service, monitoring customer preferences and developing plans to acquire new customers. With a penchant for face-to-face conversation and the ability to switch from platform to platform, this could be a good fit for Gen Z.1
1 Employment is not guaranteed for students or graduates.
2 BLS statistics represent national job growth expectations and are not necessarily reflective of local market conditions.
Sources:
- Generation Z was born between 1995 and 2010
- Differences between millennials and Gen Z
- Generation Z are digital natives
- 92 percent of Gen Z have a digital footprint
- Gen Z are good multitaskers
- Gen Z is competitive and entrepreneurial
- Gen Z is motivated by security
- Qualities of a database administrator
- What a database manager does
- Gen Z grew up with technology
- Gen Z values authentic communication
- Gen Z values individuality
- 72 percent of Gen Zers would like to start a business
- Qualities of cosmetologists
- Work environment of cosmetologists
- Job outlook of cosmetologists
- Gen Zers are early starters
- Gen Z is motivated by security
- What HVAC technicians do
- How to become and HVAC technician
- Job outlook for HVAC technicians
- Qualities of sales managers
- What sales managers do
- Gen Z values face-to-face communications
