Dive Brief:
- Generation Z interns say the experiences most critical to their professional development can’t be digitized and are more likely to happen in immersive, in-person environments, according to the results of a KPMG U.S. survey of 361 company interns, released March 25.
- The predominantly Gen Z group ranked hands-on, practical experience, mentoring relationships and network building as the most valuable experiences they hoped to gain from their internship, KPMG reported. As entry-level employees working alongside AI agents, they said they’re most focused on demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the survey showed.
- The technology shift to AI differs from prior technology shifts in the way younger workers are responding, the findings revealed. Gen Z is already looking to stay one step ahead of AI adoption and AI agents, “doubling down on judgment, creativity and adaptability — the skills AI can’t replace,” Derek Thomas, national partner-in-charge, university talent acquisition at KPMG U.S., said in a news release.
Dive Insight:
“Gen Z is redefining what success looks like. They want to reach the top professionally, but they want a life outside of work while they’re getting there,” Thomas said.
For example, while survey participants expressed an interest in securing a C-suite or senior executive role and cited salary as the main factor when considering a full-time position, they ranked work-life balance a close second. They also said they’d sacrifice an average $5,000 in pay for stronger benefits such as flexibility, culture and opportunities for development.
Relatedly, about a quarter of the interns said they’d most like to eliminate the “always available” practice of traditional workplaces, and 21% would get rid of strict 9-to-5 schedules.
Almost one-fifth said they’re unhappy with the lack of emphasis on mental health and well-being, an issue mentoring may address, a September report from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and The Harris Poll indicated.
The report found that in a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 25, 1 in 3 felt overwhelming uncertainty about their future, mental health, work-life balance and finances, with 74% saying they lack access to mentorship that could aid their career confidence.
A previous study by invoice factoring service Gateway Commercial Finance found that Gen Z are skeptical about long-term institutional promises and take a transactional approach to their careers, often choosing flexibility and short-term gains over traditional values like perks and job security.