Written by: Anne Feininger Gen Z has begun to join the workforce, and job market is more competitive as well as the expense of living is increasing, with this, Gen Z is looking for a few specific things for their next job and in their career, which are: stability & job security, skill development, location, benefits & work-life balance, value alignment, and positive company reputation vs “Traditionalists” who preferred structure, stable settings, clear expectations, and a fixed schedule. “Baby Boomers” are known for being very goal-oriented, dedicated to their work, and prioritizing stability. As a rising senior in college and a Gen Zer, I have begun thinking about jobs and what I will be doing after college. At my current college, my school requires 2 internships and a Co-op as a graduate requirement. I hope that through my internships and Co-op that I will be able to get an offer from them. I have already begun looking around the jobs just to be able to get an idea of what the market is like and what positions are open. When it comes to what Gen Z wants in a job, I have also found myself looking for companies and positions that fit some of those desires. However, I have found myself prioritizing salary as one of my key factors in looking for a job. This differs a little from what Gen Z wants or is willing to have; they are generally content with taking a lower salary, just enough to cover the basic expenses, but they also hope to be able to develop skills and learn from the job they have. I, too, have begun to lean towards finding a job that may give a lower salary, but has growth and development opportunities. For me, when it comes to finding a company that I would want to apply to/work with, I consider the answers to some qualifying questions: “How does the company support their employees and work-life balance?” “What skill development opportunities do they offer?” “What Support such as mental and physical health benefits do they offer?” “How do their values and mission drive their actions?” Author Bio: Anne is going to be a senior in college this Fall 2025 & is a Marketing Intern at PCG. She is a business management major with a minor in digital business at LIM College. She has a strong interest in the analytical side of social media.