What are Gen Z’s expectations from their internships? For the most part, Gen Zers are keen on receiving hands-on experience and connections with experts in the field as the most invaluable takeaways from internships. This data from KPMG serves as another reminder that while Gen Z workers are often accused of being uninterested in work and careers, most desire experience and opportunities for growth. Rather than worry over AI and its ability to replace them in the workforce, many Gen Zers appear to have refocused on their human strengths and seek out experiences that are the most critical to their development that cannot be digitized
While internships are often pursued for the experience credits that go on a resume, employees continue to hope for their first forays into the industry to be fruitful introductions into the professional sphere. Understanding Gen Zers and their expectations from internships and the overall workplace is a critical component to preparing the workplace for them.
Gen Zers looking for internships have very reasonable expectations that can help them work alongside artificial intelligence. (Image: Pexels)
Gen Z’s Internship Expectation Refocus the Attention on Human Capabilities and Experiences
KPMG’s Intern Pulse Survey took a closer look at Gen Zers and their thoughts and expectations from the workplace, and the results provided comprehensive insights into how this section of the workforce is holding up today. Gen Z interns expect that one-third of their future full-time roles will either be automated or AI-enhanced, with 30% of current assignments already requiring some level of AI assistance in order to perform them.
Despite this and previous reports suggesting that entry-level roles will soon disappear and leave younger workers out of work, it appears the young workers are holding on to their confidence in surviving an AI-powered world. About 78% of Gen Z interns say they feel at least somewhat prepared to work alongside the technology in the future.
To further their chances of securing such opportunities and building a career that lasts, Gen Z has clear expectations from their internship and desire hands-on experience that can’t be digitized. Rather than prioritize AI upskilling or technical knowledge building, Gen Z interns appear certain that human skills and practical experience will remain vital to their careers, along with mentoring relationships and network-building. These interns ranked AI and technical upskilling the lowest of their priorities while gaining training on the job.
How to Hire Gen Z Interns? By Understanding Their Preferences in the Workplace
Interns can be a blessing in the workplace, not only because businesses rely on them like little minions to do their bidding, but because their insights can bring a fresh perspective to the workplace, and their skills can be built up early to benefit the organization in the future. Gen Z’s internship expectations aren’t excessive or outlandish, but merely involve a focus on goals and ambitions that set them up for holistic success. Gen Z workers aren’t looking to become managers or gain corner office roles merely for the title. Instead, they desire careers alongside individuals’ lives.
Much like any other generation, Gen Z also places a good salary at the top of their list of priorities for future full-time employment in KPMG’s survey, but they also place work-life balance in a close second spot. To that end, the report also revealed that interns are willing to sacrifice an average of $5,000 in place of better benefits like flexibility, culture, and development opportunities.
Does this mean Gen Z’s workplace expectations will stop them from taking on a hybrid role and solely demand remote work? No! It appears that most are willing to settle for the middle ground, with 83% willing to pick a hybrid schedule of three to four days in-office per week. As is evident, the Gen Z employee experience is just as important to these workers as the rumors might suggest, but these considerations persist alongside a desire to work and learn, while building relationships and careers on the job.
Are these Gen Z internship expectations ignoring other, more important aspects of employment? Share your thoughts in the comments with us. Subscribe to The HR Digest so you can keep up with your workforce with ease.
