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Connections

Why is the job market so challenging for Gen Z?

A young woman with long blonde hair sits in front of a microphone in a radio talk studio.
Julie Williams
/
WXXI News
Guest host Kseniya Kalaur on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, August 26, 2024

Gen Z job seekers say landing a job as a young professional feels harder than ever. The economy is strong, companies say they’re desperate for talent, and job openings are everywhere.

Yet, many young people with degrees, internships, and relevant experience say they are struggling to get hired. Some report applying to hundreds of positions with no response.

Others say they make it to the final round, only to lose out to candidates with more experience. Many others say they end up in lower-paying jobs outside their field.

The data reflects this disconnect: unemployment for recent graduates has risen, and surveys show nearly half of Gen Z workers are considering leaving their jobs because they feel undervalued.

Employers insist there’s a labor shortage, but young job seekers state they aren’t seeing the opportunities. Guest host Kseniya Kalaur explores the state of the job market for young professionals with our panel.

Our Guests:

Kseniya Kalaur is a digital strategist working with cross-functional teams to produce and analyze digital content on social media platforms and websites. She's passionate about AI, sports, music and space exploration.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.
Julie Williams is an associate producer for "Connections with Evan Dawson" and is also the office administrator for radio, news and technology and operations. She started at WXXI in 2019 and has been working on Connections since 2022.