Gen Z seeks mentorship, hard skills training – Adobe survey

ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES — A new study by Adobe reveals that Generation Z is entering the workforce with high career hopes and even higher expectations to make an impact.

The survey of over 1,000 Gen Z workers in the United States found that 70% are eager to grow into leadership roles and make change at their companies. 

However, many feel held back by a lack of mentorship, with 83% saying workplace mentors are crucial but only half having access to one.

Gen Z workers are eager for more hard skills training to succeed in the workplace. Results found that 48% want more training on technical abilities like coding and data analysis compared to 33% who desire soft skills development.

Without guidance, Gen Z struggles to develop skills. Over half participate in career development training less than once a month, mainly citing a lack of time. This leaves 28% feeling their skills are underutilized.

This finding highlights a digital skills gap among Gen Z, despite their upbringing in a tech-savvy era. 

While Gen Z anticipates the rise of AI, they want employers to provide structure. Only 35% of respondents said their company has guidelines on using generative AI.

“Companies that want to attract and retain the best Gen Z talent need to be attuned to their expectations and willing to adapt,” said Cortney Erin, Adobe”s Vice President for Global Talent Acquisition. 

According to Fortune, underfunded education systems cause this paradox, leaving Gen Z without access to the latest workplace technologies. 

This demand for hard skills training and mentorship presents opportunities for companies worldwide to enrich Gen Z’s abilities. As Gen Z reshapes the workforce, addressing their training and mentorship needs will be critical for employers globally.