Opinion: Learning from Gen Z may be key to surviving the automated job market

Photo credit: Alexis Brown.

It is no secret that the job market is increasingly becoming automated and digitized. For the longest time, human beings have been the dominant partner in the ever-evolving relationship between technology and people. However, with this paradigm shift, humans are left pondering the once unthinkable question: Are human beings becoming obsolete in an increasingly digitized world?

The inconvenient truth is that robots ARE coming and every industry will be impacted in some way.

There is significant debate about the exact direction that automation will take the job market, however, there is no doubt that it has brought on a new era of uncertainty and disruption to people’s expectations and career outlooks.

With this in mind, I want to turn to Gen Z, the generation born in the year 1994-2000s that are quickly overtaking millennials as one of the most studied generations, and focus on some of their key qualities.

Gen Z

Photo credit: Mikey Burton.

Gen Z has many names (post-millennials, iGeneration, Plurals, etc.). However, several other campus editors, thought leaders, and I have dubbed this generation as the “Digital Darlings.” While the millennial generation is defined as one of the first generations to grow up in the digitized world, the Digital Darlings may be the first to grow up in a period where internet and connectivity are essential parts of their beings.

Self-motivated economy

In my view, one of the most significant ideological shifts between generations is the shift toward the self in defining one’s career. In the past, conventional wisdom stated that you find a job, stay there for the majority of your career, and aspire to reach higher management. Following the financial crash of 2008, that idea has become obsolete. No job is permanent, job security is always a concern, and the idea of advancing the corporate ladder is giving way to the goal of starting a business and becoming your own boss.

Darlings are arguably the most entrepreneurial generation yet. According to a survey conducted by Monster, over 76 percent of respondents see themselves as the owners of their careers with nearly half (49 percent) expressing interest in starting a business. Compare this to 32 percent across all working generations.

This type of mindset may be essential in surviving in the age of digitization. More so than any other time, people need to be willing to invest in their own worth as an employee to survive. To do so, people need to either learn new skills or stay up to date with changing trends through continuous education and training.

Many massive open online courses (MOOCs), such as Coursera and Udacity, are granting “nanodegrees” to prospective students. Even CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg (the quintessential millennial) sets personal learning goals every year. Darlings are always looking to expand their worldview and transform their passions into careers. The key takeaway is that in order to expand oneself, one needs to be up to date with current trends and skills to actively contribute and innovate.

Branding is key

The idea of a professional brand is neither new nor radical. However, the role that personal branding plays differs across generations. In the contemporary world, branding is an essential component to launching a career or finding a job. Therefore, it is important to identify what one’s expectations, desires, and passions are when navigating the tumultuous world of job search.

Gen Z values practicality and realism in branding over inspirational and ideal, the former two being prominent qualities that millennials value. In essence, the brand takes on a more supportive role while allowing for individuality and innovation to play a more central role. Gen Z values innovation and originality, both of which are qualities that are essential to thrive in any type of career.

Closing thoughts