4.3 Million Gen Z Are Struggling To Find Direction In A Tough Job Market, Handshake Executive Says ‘Gen Z Faces A Particularly Uncertain Job Market’

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-14 11:16:00

Gen Z faces an uncertain job market as 4.3 million adults in the U.S. are not in school, working, or in job training. Many regret their degrees due to limited career growth and high costs, with $1.77 trillion in student loan debt nationwide. The pressure has led to defaults and AI reshaping the market.

Employers are shifting towards skills-based hiring, with 52% of U.S. job postings on Indeed no longer requiring a formal degree. However, the average ROI for a bachelor’s in education is minus 54.67%, raising concerns about short-term financial returns. Despite this, college offers valuable skills and opportunities beyond immediate employment.

AI is reshaping the job market, with 45% of Gen Z feeling their college education is irrelevant due to AI advancements. While AI may replace some roles, creative and strategic positions remain largely insulated. Keeping skills updated is crucial, as AI rewards those who continuously upgrade their toolkit for success.

Read more: 4.3 Million Gen Z Are Struggling To Find Direction In A Tough Job Market, Handshake Executive Says ‘Gen Z Faces A Particularly Uncertain Job Market’