undergrad intern career

6 big differences in undergrad intern career habits-and what it means for colleges and universities


The differences between Generation Z and Millennials as they enter the workforce are staggering, and undergrad interns are exhibiting these new differences. So how should higher ed respond?

4. Independent Thinking is Favored

Tip: Provide opportunities for autonomy and creative thinking

Millennials are driven to succeed by helicopter parents who watch their every move, while Generation Z finds encouragement from parents who encourage independent thinking, want them to achieve on their own and are fed up with not receiving equal pay for equal success at work.

5. They Value Social Entrepreneurship

Tip: Tie learning and its work to a cause students care about

According to Forbes, social entrepreneurship is important to Generation Z, a group that is driven to volunteer and choose a career in which they can make a difference. On the other hand, there are those who hope the Millennials will become more civic-minded as they grow older, but it’s something that hasn’t been witnessed as of yet.

6. They Create Their Own Jobs

Tip: Personalization of learning and not mirroring curricula to specific job titles is key

Because those who are part of Generation Z feel pressure to gain corporate experience early, they are competing with Millennials who are more likely to wait to gain that same type of experience. The good news for Millennials, who are more likely to chase jobs in the corporate world, is that 72 percent of those in Generation Z wish to take what they learn and apply it to their own business, versus 64 percent of Millennials who have the same goal.

Material from a press release was used in this report.

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