Why Gen Z Wants Better Career Exploration In High School

The landscape of work is constantly evolving, and the next generation is paying close attention. According to a survey by Pearson, Gen Z students are not only stressed about balancing school and life, but they are also concerned about their future careers. Many young people are worried about how they will discover the right career path, gain the necessary skills, and make the right connections to thrive in the workforce.

As a result, earlier career exploration is becoming a priority for Gen Z students who have an anxious eye on the future. In fact, a study by the American Staffing Association found that 69% of current high schoolers and 66% of graduates wish they had more career exploration opportunities during their middle and high school years.

"Some of the largest roadblocks to young people are confidence, cost, and connections," says Dr. Lorna Bryant, Head of Career Solutions at Pearson's Virtual Learning division. "Their anxiety is tied to their fear that they don't have the necessary skills employers desire, and they don't know the right people to help them pursue a career they genuinely enjoy."

To address these challenges, parents and educators need to play a more active role in supporting Gen Z's career exploration. The research shows that teens want their parents to be involved in helping them find jobs (48%) and sharing resources (43%). However, many parents don't feel equipped to guide their kids through choosing careers outside their own area of expertise.

To build confidence, parents and students should tap into school and career counselors, as well as connect with employers, internships, and specialized classes that can help develop the skills that employers desire. Additionally, parents need to keep an open mind about alternative postsecondary pathways, as Gen Z is becoming increasingly skeptical of the traditional four-year college route.

Making connections is another significant challenge for Gen Z. While parents may not be able to directly connect their children with professionals in different fields, they can help their teens develop the vital "power skills" that employers find most valuable, such as communication, leadership, attention to detail, and collaboration.

Businesses can also play a role by prioritizing internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships that allow students to exercise these skills in the workplace, which can help them connect with organizations early in their career exploration.

By providing better career exploration opportunities during high school, we can help equip Gen Z with the confidence, skills, and connections they need to enter the workforce and contribute successfully.