The professional world is continuously transforming, especially with the entry of Generation Z, also known as Zoomers, into the workforce. Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z brings distinctive skills, values and expectations to the table as they kickstart their careers.
If you are a Zoomer proactively shaping your career path in response to the ever-changing job market, you've come to the right place. We explore the top five jobs that align well with the characteristics of the tech-savvy, values-driven and socially conscious Gen Z.
What are Gen Zers looking for in their career?
To many's surprise, Gen Zers are attracted to jobs that don't necessarily offer high salaries. According to a survey by Skynova, as many as 88% of US-based Gen Zers surveyed do not wish to be lawyers, a typical high-paying job in the United States.
Instead, the survey revealed that the surveyed Zoomers' favourite jobs are elementary and middle school teachers, registered nurses and retail supervisors. None of these job roles are among the ten highest-paying jobs in the US.
If salaries aren't the primary factor for Gen Z workers in finding a fulfilling career, what else are they seeking?
A Glassdoor report concluded that the ability to play a prominent role in shaping company culture and have a social impact brought the most job satisfaction to Gen Zers.
Gen Zers' desire to impact and influence is reflected in their top job choices. The Glassdoor report revealed that corporate recruiters were the highest-rated jobs for Gen Z job seekers, followed by marketing managers and social media managers.
While salaries may not be your biggest concern when looking for your dream job, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice financial stability and opportunities for growth for job satisfaction.
Read on our handpicked list of jobs that offer great earning potential and growth opportunities, tailored for Gen Z.
Registered nurse
Although registered nurses are not on the list of top ten highest-paying jobs in the US, they are in high demand in many countries, where you can earn a decent salary.
For instance, the average salary of a registered nurse in Canada is CAD 73,185 per year, while a registered nurse in Australia can make an average of AUD 82,357 per year.
On top of the high earning potential, job security and global employability, nursing is a rewarding career. Caring for unwell individuals, nurses help and support those in need and pose a direct, positive impact on society.
Read our article on the top ten benefits of becoming a nurse to learn more about why you should start a career in nursing.
Corporate recruiter
Corporate recruiters represent the public image of a company. They are crucial for building a positive company culture and promoting values such as diversity and inclusion. Being a corporate recruiter allows you to influence how companies attract and retain talent, thus improving employee experiences.
As a corporate recruiter, you will create and post job ads, look for talented candidates and interview them. As you work your way up and take on senior roles, you may take part in developing hiring strategies.
According to Glassdoor, a corporate recruiter can earn an average of GBP 41,807 per year in the UK. Salary.com suggests that the average annual salary of a corporate recruiter in the US is around USD 60,810.
Social media manager
Social media managers help shape a company’s image by crafting and implementing social media strategies across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube. They are also responsible for engaging with the company's social media audience.
Taking on the role of a social media manager offers you an opportunity to work in a dynamic, creative environment. You will also play a significant role in establishing your employer's online presence.
If you wish to become a social media manager, we recommend you start working on your online presence. Don't forget to keep up with the latest trends in social media and digital marketing.
If you have experience managing a professional social media account that has successfully led to conversions, it will greatly benefit your search for a social media manager position.
Data scientist
A recent YouGov survey discovered that STEM is the most sought-after field among Gen Z career starters, with more than a quarter of surveyed Gen Z students saying they had plans to develop a career in the field. As one of the most tech-savvy generations so far, the popularity of STEM industries doesn't come as a surprise.
Data scientists are highly demanded job roles in the STEM field that Gen Zers will enjoy. In this role, you are responsible for handling substantial data sets and drawing valuable insights. In other words, your job is to make sense of complex data.
Since data scientists are required to analyse patterns and trends and provide recommendations based on these findings, having mathematical, coding and problem-solving skills will be helpful if you decide to pursue a career as a data scientist.
Environmental scientist
If you are passionate about environmental causes such as climate change and sustainability, pursuing a career in environmental science might be the right fit.
World leaders and pressure groups are becoming more aware of the dangers that CO2 and global warming have on our planet – time is ticking. Governments continue to discuss new ways to face these climate challenges. Increasingly, they need experts to advise them about their next steps.
Environmental scientists apply their understanding of the natural sciences to safeguard the environment and human health. They might engage in tasks such as cleaning up polluted areas, offering advice to policymakers or collaborating with industries to minimise waste.
Apart from making a difference in the world, being an environmental scientist offers you the financial security you deserve.
According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary of an environmental scientist in the United States is around USD 64,976. An environmental scientist can earn an average annual salary of CAD 67,889 in Canada.
Final thoughts
Having grown up in an era of increased environmental consciousness and unprecedented technological advancement, Gen Zers are ready to apply their tech skills to meaningful jobs that make a difference to society.
We hope the list of jobs we've put together above has given you ideas for choosing a career path that brings fulfilment.
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