Gen Z entered the workforce during unprecedented disruption, with AI, changing career expectations, and the rise of social media transforming how they approach work. Zety, a resume templates service, released the Gen Z’s Way of Work Report, highlighting how these young professionals are redefining career security, networking, and skill-building in a rapidly changing job market.
AI and the Search for Career Stability
AI has affected how Gen Z thinks about career longevity and opportunity. Many are actively rerouting their careers by switching industries, upskilling, and turning to trade work, solidifying their name as the ‘Reroute Generation.’ Key findings from Zety’s Gen Z Reroute Report reveal:
- Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Gen Z say a college degree won’t protect them from AI-related job loss.
- Over half (53%) are seriously considering blue-collar or skilled trade roles, viewing this field as the most AI-proof.
- 53% say social media influencers (e.g., TradeTok) impact their views on trade work.
- 43% have already changed or adjusted their career plans because of AI.
- 40% are teaching themselves new skills or earning certifications.
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Gen Z’s Way of Work: This generation of workers is seeking stability in roles they believe are less vulnerable to automation while exploring opportunities that offer autonomy, creativity, or direct human impact.
Digital Platforms Driving Career Decisions
Social media has become a primary tool for exploring jobs, networking, and evaluating potential employers. According to Zety’s Gen Z Career Trends Report, Gen Z is increasingly relying on these platforms to shape career decisions:
- 46% of Gen Zers have secured a job or internship through TikTok and 92% trust the platform for career advice.
- 76% rely on Instagram for career content, more than twice the number using LinkedIn (34%).
- 95% consider a company’s social media presence when deciding to apply.
Gen Z’s Way of Work: Young professionals prioritize accessible, authentic, and visually engaging platforms over traditional channels for assessing employers and discovering opportunities.
Personal Branding and the Influence of Career Creators
The Gen Z & Career Trends Report also found that managing an online presence has become an essential strategy. Gen Z is particularly mindful of their digital footprint and follows career influencers to navigate the job market:
- 78% believe employers review candidates’ social media profiles during evaluation.
- Although 48% strongly agree that social media can create unrealistic expectations about career growth or success, 75% say they follow multiple career-focused influencers.
- The majority (84%) follow career influencers aged 26–39.
Gen Z’s Way of Work: A polished and intentional social media presence is now a core component of Gen Z’s career strategy, influencing how they pursue opportunities, engage with employers, and measure professional success.
“Social media has become today’s career classroom,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety. “It’s where young workers are learning, networking, and finding opportunities—but also where they’re developing a sharper sense of what kind of work aligns with their values.”
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