According to the newest buzz around Gen Zs who are just entering the workforce, the most wanted career choice for Gen Z is not to be found within the tech frenzy—something you’d have expected them to be attracted to. However, it’s actually the high-spirited and ever-changing field of media and entertainment they are most drawn to.
Recent research has got us all talking about this surprising shift in events in the professional journey of the first and truest tech-native generation. Forgetting about the stereotypical notion behind Gen Zs and tech jobs, what do you think is the driving factor behind this plot twist?
Why are these tech-savvy 2000-2010s born folks into the lights, camera, and action industry instead of the byte boulevard?
From code to creativity: it’s all about the connection
A recent survey by Samsung and Morning Consult found that Gen Z’s top industries to work in are media and entertainment, surpassing even tech, healthcare, and education.
A total of 33% of respondents were interested in professions in entertainment and media, with Technology and Design following closely behind at 30% each. Additionally, 24% of respondents were interested in employment in the health industries.
But why the detour? If you know Gen Z’s, you know that they’re all about connection. Can’t blame them, can we? They have been born into a world ruled by smartphones, social media, and speedy communications, as a result, they’ve taken on an intense appreciation for the power of content.
Yes, the binge-watching generation is not just all about watching shows and eating chips; they’re into creating, engaging, and sharing stories in diverse forms. From platforms like TikTok to Instagram stories, podcasts to gaming streams, every day they immerse themselves in the digital limelight of content and connection.
The media and entertainment industry has become a place where traditional roles are set aside and the art of storytelling, the excitement of creating content, and the thrill of capturing the attention of an audience are being brought to life, and Gen Z’s are in on it.
The X-factor: the allure of creativity and expression
Gen Z’s aren’t just chasing paychecks, they’re chasing self-expression. Self-expression is somewhat like the keyword that describes this generation, as they are so unapologetically not afraid to let their voices be heard.
Tech jobs are a great career choice, however, it is perceived to be more analytical and structured. This could sometimes mean that tasks surrounding these jobs could be repetitive and lack creativity. The media and entertainment industry on the other hand allows individuals to unleash their creative potential and express themselves through a wide range of forms.
The report from Samsung and Morning Consultant which examined a thousand Americans, aged between 16 and 25, concluded that Gen Z appreciates and values flexible and creative jobs and careers, in which they can sustain a healthy work-life balance.
“Lifestyle is a big part of the attraction,” says Ann Woo, the head of corporate citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “Media and entertainment is a creative industry that offers flexibility and self-expression, two of the most important attributes younger workers want in a job.”
This generation’s artistic tendencies are catered to by this industry, as it presents a platform for self-expression through storytelling, graphic design, video production, and social media content creation.
Diversity and inclusivity: a game changer
Gen Z is celebrated for being socially conscious and advocating for diversity. Because the entertainment business tells stories, builds communities, and shifts opinions, it is in a unique position to change how we think about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Representation on and off-screen has become a top priority for media and entertainment companies.
This commitment to inclusivity not only reels in top Gen Z talent but also nurtures a work environment that values different voices and backgrounds.
What’s cooking for the future of work?
For Gen Zs, work-life balance outshines job security. This point was emphasised even further even in the year 2023 as members of SAG-AFTRA and the WGA both went on strike for several months citing unfairness in the media and entertainment industry, during which time many businesses struggled with dwindling ad revenue and loss of streaming ventures.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that since May, the entertainment industry alone has lost almost 44,000 jobs, at least partially as a result of the strikes.
Nevertheless, Gen Z is a social demographic that stresses community and societal influence more than employment stability. Strong work-life balance, chances for learning and growth, and creative flexibility were identified as the top goals for early career workers in a number of polls, including those from Samsung and Morning Consult.
As a result, Gen Z will not be backing down from this career path anytime soon, owing to the fact that this industry attracts Gen Zs like a light bulb attracts moths.
Gen Z’s aspirations: embracing influence or the freedom to pivot
The gravitational pull of media and entertainment for Gen Zs is immense because many young people see social media influencing as a satisfactory career path. A new class of entrepreneurs known as “creators” has emerged as a result of the growing appeal of networks like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This collection of individuals involves business coaches, freelancers, gamers, and other professionals who share and make money from their knowledge on these platforms.
These “completely internet savvy” Gen Zers have discovered that you can get paid and start a business as soon as you start creating content that draws an audience.
Companies are beginning to rethink their strategies and reshape their frequencies so that their culture of work can align with the beliefs of this zestful generation. It isn’t just limited to the media and entertainment sector, it’s a wake-up call for all industries to do themselves a favour and indulge in a modern-day makeover, or risk being left in the shadows.
Since the media and entertainment sector has a reputation for being among the most flexible, Gen Z sees it as the most promising avenue for achieving their professional aspirations.
(Tashia Bernardus)