Those who are now entering the world of employment for the very first time are of a brand-new generation. Although people are working longer, meaning the workforce is getting older, this new demographic have new priorities, new viewpoints and, most importantly, new expectations.
This is worth special consideration as technology begins to transform the workplace. Those in Generation Z are digital natives, so they’ve grown up around technology and working with it is essentially second nature. The value of young people in employment is only going to increase as industries continue to be disrupted by the rise of digital.
But, what roles are the most in-demand among Gen Z? There are opportunities available now that simply didn’t exist when these first-time job hunters we born – social media managers, data scientists and UX designers were all unheard of in the early 2000s. Research carried out by Glassdoor, which looked at applications submitted by people born between 1997 and 2000, has given us the answers.
5) Data Analyst
Data is becoming an ever more valuable commodity. More than half of the world’s population is on the internet, 3.8 million Google searches take place every minute and there is more than 2.7 trillion gigabytes of data in the world. But what’s the use of having all this data if we can’t make the most of it? This is where data analysts come to the fore by deciphering the information and whittling it down to the parts which are relevant to a particular business. Used correctly, big data can be a catalyst for serious business growth. There are just over 7,000 roles currently available, a number which is set to continue increasing.
4) Mechanical Engineer
Although it has been reported that only six per cent of Gen Z are considering a career in manufacturing, Glassdoor’s research shows that the slightly broader discipline of mechanical engineering roles were fourth-most popular among those aged between 19 and 22. Gen Z have been coined a “generation of problem solvers,” making this particular career path a perfect fit. By analysing problems, assessing how certain devices may solve them and finally creating and implementing those changes, it’s a role that plays into creative, analytical and technological skills of our youngest members of the workforce.
3) Sales Associate
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, Sales Associate finds itself in the top five jobs that Gen Z are looking for. Young people have a reputation for being poor communicators and decision makers, skills that may seem crucial to success for a salesperson. Nevertheless, with more than 162,000 Sales Associate vacancies available, the demand needs to be met. If Gen Z really do struggle with communication and other such traits, it highlights both the need and the desire for soft skills training in the workplace.
2) Software Developer
A truly creative role that also brings in elements of problem solving, being a software developer makes you a real catch in the current candidate-driven market. In the first quarter of 2018, the number of apps released on the Google Play Store surpassed 6,000 per day, and as technology continues to advance the demand for developers will too. The median salary is just over £30,000, and the premise of the role is simple – create digital solutions that fulfil the need of the client and remain user-friendly.
1) Software Engineer
While it sounds incredibly similar to being a Software Developer, tweaking your roles and responsibilities slightly could see you earn the title of Software Engineer, which is reflected in the salary. Although many argue these job titles can be used interchangeably, to be an Engineer requires taking core engineering principles and a scientific approach and applying it to the process of software creation. This starts from the very beginning, assessing client needs and drawing up a solution, before creating it in conjunction with the Software Developers, testing it and eventually rolling it out. Glassdoor’s research found that a staggering 19 per cent of job applications made by Gen Z during this three month period were for the role of Software Engineer, making it a clear winner.