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  • Gen Z is here. Are you ready?

    Generation Z – those born after the mid-1990s – are tech-savvy, digital natives to the core and they’re joining your workforce. They bring new skills, high expectations and a desire to shake things up.

    • Research: The Gen Z effect.

      Dell Technologies surveyed 12,000 Gen Z secondary and post-secondary students. Results show they’re confident about their tech skills but unsure about their readiness for the workforce. Meanwhile, senior professionals worry they’ll be outpaced by Gen Z.

      By 2020, Gen Z will make up 20% of a multigenerational workforce. To succeed in the era of human-machine partnerships, business leaders must bridge the digital divide to unleash the power of a diverse and future-ready workforce.

    • About the participants

    • 12,086

      • Gen Z students surveyed,
        ages 16-23

        Representing 17 countries around the globe: United States, Canada, Brazil, UK, Germany, France, Turkey, Australia/New Zealand, China, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines

    • Gen Z deeply understands digital transformation.

      Today’s students have a deep understanding of how technology can transform the way we work and live.

    • 80%

      aspire to work with cutting-edge technology

    • 91%

      say technology would influence job choice among similar employment offers

    • 80%

      believe technology and automation will create a more equitable work environment

    • Implications for employers and educators:

      •  

      • Tech-first approach

        Technology must be emphasized to appeal to Gen Z – from hiring and onboarding, to the daily work experience.

         

        STEM careers

        Encourage more women to pursue tech jobs, particularly in IT and research/development.

         

        Advanced tech in the classroom

        A.I. and machine learning should be integrated into the learning process early on.

        Tech-first approach

        Technology must be emphasized to appeal to Gen Z – from hiring and onboarding, to the daily work experience.

         

        STEM careers

        Encourage more women to pursue tech jobs, particularly in IT and research/development.

         

        Advanced tech in the classroom

        A.I. and machine learning should be integrated into the learning process early on.

        Tech-first approach

        Technology must be emphasized to appeal to Gen Z – from hiring and onboarding, to the daily work experience.

         

        STEM careers

        Encourage more women to pursue tech jobs, particularly in IT and research/development.

         

        Advanced tech in the classroom

        A.I. and machine learning should be integrated into the learning process early on.

        Tech-first approach

        Technology must be emphasized to appeal to Gen Z – from hiring and onboarding, to the daily work experience.

         

        STEM careers

        Encourage more women to pursue tech jobs, particularly in IT and research/development.

         

        Advanced tech in the classroom

        A.I. and machine learning should be integrated into the learning process early on.

        Tech-first approach

        Technology must be emphasized to appeal to Gen Z – from hiring and onboarding, to the daily work experience.

         

        STEM careers

        Encourage more women to pursue tech jobs, particularly in IT and research/development.

         

        Advanced tech in the classroom

        A.I. and machine learning should be integrated into the learning process early on.

        Tech-first approach

        Technology must be emphasized to appeal to Gen Z – from hiring and onboarding, to the daily work experience.

         

        STEM careers

        Encourage more women to pursue tech jobs, particularly in IT and research/development.

         

        Advanced tech in the classroom

        A.I. and machine learning should be integrated into the learning process early on.

        Tech-first approach

        Technology must be emphasized to appeal to Gen Z – from hiring and onboarding, to the daily work experience.

         

        STEM careers

        Encourage more women to pursue tech jobs, particularly in IT and research/development.

         

        Advanced tech in the classroom

        A.I. and machine learning should be integrated into the learning process early on.

      Perspectives

      Meet the Future Workforce: Gen Z

    • Gen Z is confident in their tech skills but unsure about their non-tech skills.

      Gen Zers are full of tech swagger, but they worry about having the right soft skills and experience for the workforce.

    • 77%

      are willing to be technology mentors to others at work

    • 52%

      are more confident they have the tech skills employers want than non-tech skills

    • 57%

      think their education has prepared them well for future careers

    • Implications for employers and educators:

      •  

      • Tech mentorships

        IT leaders should explore programs to address tech skill disparities among workers.

         

        Non-tech skills

        Companies can help Gen Z build soft skills and confidence through internships, job rotations and other programs.

         

        Teaching for success

        Schools must teach students how, not just what, to learn. Critical thinking, logic, judgement and creative drive are skills coveted by employers.

      Perspectives

      Five Programs That Are Preparing Gen Z for the Future of Work

    • Gen Z yearns for more human connection.

      In-person communication is Gen Z’s preferred method of connecting in the workplace.

    • 75%

      expect to learn from peers on the job, not online programs

    • 82%

      say that social media can be a valuable tool in the workplace

    • 53%

      prefer going into an office versus working from home; 58% want to work on a team versus independently

    • Implications for employers and educators:

    •  

      In-person and virtual workspaces

      Tools like AR, VR and flexible work environments can help teams connect and collaborate.

       

      Multigenerational teams

      Cross-functional, complementary teams can facilitate knowledge exchange and skills development.

       

      Student-led learning

      Also known as self-directed learning, this primary and secondary school practice is easily translated to the workplace.

      • In Their Own Words

        • "The more technology you are familiar with, the more of an asset you can be to a company."

           

          -Kasheka Chitkara, age 21, studying management and information systems/analytics
           

        • "I would definitely prefer meeting face-to-face with coworkers. If that isn’t an option, then a skype meeting or conference call is best."


          -Logan Ribeiro, age 21, studying financial services
           

        • "There were some soft skills I had to learn on my own such as critical thinking and interacting with team members. That is something that is downplayed when we focus so much on using technology. We lose the interaction that we need to have with teammates and customers."


          -Jahnavi Muppaneni, age 22, studying corporate communications and journalism

        • "There is a greater focus now on having the ability to use modern technology and also being open to learning new types of technology and being able to adapt with the trends."


          -Thobani Nxumalo, age 21, studying actuarial mathematics
           

        • "Having the latest technology at work is pretty much everything. As someone about to enter the workforce, I want every opportunity to gain exposure to the latest technology and really have a deep understanding that’s going to put me ahead in the long run."


          -Jake Zimmer, age 21, studying management and sociology

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