Generation Z is considered very unpopular as employees. Many employers prefer to hire an AI rather than a college graduate. Yet many young people are themselves dissatisfied with their studies.
In a new survey by Hult International Business School, 1,600 employers and full-time employees in the USA were asked about their current job situation. And almost 40 percent of employers stated that they would prefer to hire a robot over a college graduate.
Kevin Thompson, a financial expert and founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek that it is not particularly surprising if companies are excited about AI. Because a robot is significantly cheaper and more efficient than a human employee. He says:
It is about economy and efficiency. It is much easier and cheaper to train an AI to perform tasks than to train a person and pay them for it. AI performs tasks precisely as programmed at a fraction of the cost. Many employers recognize the value of using AI to manage basic tasks, especially in support functions and entry-level positions.
Completely differently sees the consultant Bryan Driscoll. He also explained to Newsweek that AI is unsurprisingly more popular because it is cheaper and less demanding. But the problem is not Gen Z, but rather the employers who have unrealistic expectations. Driscoll states:
Of course, employers would rather use AI than humans – it is cheaper, requires no health care or basic human rights, and does not take vacation days. It is not about a lack of skills in Generation Z, but about employers trying to escape responsibility.
They have spent decades financing training programs and shifting the burden of skill development onto employees, and then complain when new hires do not meet their expectations.
Few “talents” in circulation, but graduates are unwanted
What is the problem? Many companies surveyed state that they have great difficulties finding people with the appropriate talent for their company. The extent of the problem is also shown by the survey: Almost all, 98 percent of executives, stated that their company has problems finding talent.
A significant majority also stated that they do not want and will not hire college graduates. That is 89% of those surveyed. When asked why they did not want to hire college graduates, companies gave various reasons:
- College graduates lack practical experience (60%).
- They lack a global mindset (57%).
- Many do not know how to work well in a team (55%).
- The education of graduates is too expensive (53%).
- Many individuals simply do not have the right skills (51%).
- Applicants simply have too poor manners when dealing with others (50%).
Dissatisfaction with one’s own studies is growing
Among the respondents, many stated that they are dissatisfied with their degree in hindsight:
- 94% regret their degree.
- 43% of participants stated that they feel doomed to fail because they chose the wrong field of study.
- Of the respondents, 77% add: In a 6-month training, one learns more than in 4 years of study.
And a shift away from studying has been observed for some time among younger people. Because instead of studying, many young people are currently looking for a job. The people asked mention jobs such as mechanics, landscape gardeners, or cleaning specialists. Many are primarily seeking jobs in areas where there is a desperate need for new talent: Generation Z has just made a tough decision: They start working
