What Gen Z wants in their careers?

According to a recent iQOO research that The Economic Times published, Gen Z, or the generation born in India between the middle of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2010s, has certain preferences for careers.

Let's examine a few results and their implications for the nature of work in the future: 

The New Age of Careers.

As to the survey, over 25% of Indian Gen Z participants express interest in pursuing employment in these three crucial areas: 

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Content Creation

These are areas that cut at the edge of technology and digital media, showing young Indians really want to be at the forefront of innovation. Entrepreneurship takes a backseat.

Only 9% showed interest in becoming entrepreneurs, which actually is a pretty low percentage considering India's growing startup ecosystem. At the same time, 19% of those aged 20-24 have aspirations for leadership roles in established organizations, generally implying a want for stability and growth in already existing structures.

Career goals and personal growth

Considering Gen Z, some interesting priorities brought out by this survey are:

84% look for jobs which will form part of the career they intend to follow.

The gap year is viewed favorably at the moment by the majority of people, who see it as providing an opportunity for developing yourself as a person and picking up new skills;

43% Ready to give up balance between work and personal life in the interests of career success;

It is more worthwhile to pursue a dream than a hobby/other interest

All these results do go on to prove that Gen Z is very career-oriented in their approach to life and development.

Constraints of education and finance

Even though over 50% of the responding populations are willing to further their education, 46% of them consider financial constraints to be a stumbling block. It is, however, quite refreshing that more than 90% are still positive about realizing their dreams despite the odds. This optimism becomes the defining factor for this generation: Z.

Workplace equality still remains at the forefront of concerns. 

The challenge that about 80% of the respondents feel due to gender inequality in their workplaces testifies to the fact that organizations should take steps toward equality in the workplace and hence ensure an all-inclusive work environment. 

What does all this mean for the employers?

Technology-driven job roles: More openings should be made in AI, cybersecurity, or content creation in a bid to secure top Gen Z talents.

Offer clear career paths: As Gen Z is much focused on their careers, business organizations must offer distinct opportunities for professional growth and mentorship programs.

Support further education: Subsidize their education or offer flexible work programs that would enable workers to pursue higher studies.

Workplace equality: Build up potent initiatives in terms of diversity and equality to make the workplace equally welcoming for all workers.

Provide leadership development: Even though Gen Z may not be directly interested in entrepreneurship, most of them have a tendency to take up leadership positions. 

Design programs for training and development that shall facilitate such aspirations.

The Indian Gen Z is turning increasingly towards these emerging technologies and digital media as potential career options. They work diligently, have a strong sense of purpose for their careers, and have a bright future. Attracting, retaining, and nurturing the next generation of talent in India's expanding employment market is possible for employers who recognize and accommodate these desires.