Gen Z is struggling with their job search, but the former CEO of Walmart agrees with them: It is important to find the right job so that work doesn’t feel like work. And he has two more recommendations for young graduates.
Time and again, it is reported that young people are dissatisfied with their current jobs: Many young people therefore quit and often change professions because they cannot find the right work.
But the former CEO of Walmart, Doug McMillon, stated in a talk before graduates that this is not unusual and thus agrees with them. Overall, McMillon has three pieces of advice that he shared with young graduates for their future job search.
Young people should look for a job that makes them happy
Doug McMillon became the CEO of the American chain Walmart in February 2014, a position he will hold until his departure on January 31, 2026. His successor will be John Furner.
What are his recommendations? McMillon has two tips for young people when they are searching for a job. Firstly, he recommends that one should be present in their job. This is important if one wants to have a chance on the career ladder. In his graduation speech to the graduates at the University of Arkansas in 2024, McMillon said on YouTube:
When it comes to careers, my advice to anyone who asks me for guidance is to first do your current job well, be present, drive change, deliver results, and do so the right way. Being present in your current position and building trust leads to the next professional opportunity.
A point that has already been discussed among young people for some time. Because for Generation Z, it is particularly important that a job offers a clear career path and opportunities for advancement. Many want to improve, establish themselves, and climb the career ladder. Job changes occur more frequently where there are no clear opportunities to develop.
His second recommendation: People should look for a job that they enjoy. Because if a job is fun, then work will no longer feel like work. Life is too short to waste time on a job that one does not enjoy. He said:
My second piece of advice is to pursue a profession that does not feel like work. Life is too short to invest so much time in something you do not enjoy. I hope you find your place quickly, as I did, but if not, I advise you not to give up until you find it… If you are in the right place, work will often not feel like work at all.
And he gives a third piece of advice: One should assume positive views of others, as there are enough problems in the world: “Be aware that you will have more joy in giving than in taking. In our world today, there are many conflicts, much concern, and too much suffering. We face many challenges that need to be addressed,” he explains.
The job interests of young people are also changing. In the past, everyone wanted to work for Google, Amazon, and similar companies. However, many young people prefer to choose crisis-proof jobs and avoid IT. This is a significant problem for large tech companies as the workforce is aging: Generation Z no longer wants to become programmers and many are choosing a different career: This is a problem for Amazon, Apple, and Google
