KPMG Intern Pulse Survey: Gen Z Talent is Ready for AI-enhanced Job and Career, Wants to Invest Time with their First Employer, and Debunk Stereotypes

THOMAS: “Contrasting the narrative of job hopping, our survey finds Gen Z wants to invest more time in their first job to gain valuable skills. We consistently find that, generally speaking, an extra year or two at KPMG results in our alumni earning more income in the years to come."^[1]

• In the early stages of their career, 65% of respondents value working towards and dedicating time to their long-term career goals over spending time with family and friends, traveling and experiences (35%).
• 34% of respondents plan to stay with their first employer/in their first job for over five years, while 24% plan to stay with their first employer/in their first job for two to five years.
• A vast majority (90%) of Gen Z respondents believe the biggest misconception about their generation is that they are lazy and do not want to work hard. 

THOMAS: “Gen Z talent expect AI to shape their careers and are already engaging with the technology in both their personal and professional lives. Employers should meet them where they are to ensure AI-related trainings and tools impact their productivity, creativity and ability to balance work and life.”

• Nearly half (48%) of all respondents believe that 20% of their future full-time job as it exists today will be automated by AI. 23% believe 30-40% of their first job will be automated by AI.
• When asked how often they use GenAI tools in their day-to-day life (both during their internship and personally), 39% use ChatGPT frequently, if not every day, while only 14% report never using it.  
• 51% use GenAI for work-related purposes – both for administrative purposes and project-based tasks. 43% use the technology for school-related purposes and 42% use it for personal reasons.
• 72% of respondents agree that access to AI-related trainings and tools provided by an employer is an important factor when considering a job/employer. 

THOMAS: “Purpose, culture, sustainability and opportunity are all important factors as Gen Z talent consider job opportunities, but this generation is more confident talking about what they need – from salary to work-life-balance. It’s important that employers continue to actively manage these expectations.”

• When asked for the top three factors they value most in a future employer, respondents identified salary as most common (25%), closely followed by a positive culture and working environment (24%) and opportunities for advancement (20%). Scheduling flexibility (15%) was an additional factor, followed by learning and development as well as benefits—such as good options for paid time off, healthcare/dental/vision coverage, and mental health benefits and programs.
• 78% agree or somewhat agree that an employer’s ESG efforts (e.g., prioritizes environment/sustainability; is committed to DEI and social equity; and demonstrates ethical business practices) is an important factor when considering a job/employer.
• 89% agree or somewhat agree that access to trainings on “soft skills” or professional skills (e.g., presentation skills, executive presence, client etiquette, interpersonal skills) is an important factor when considering a job/employer.
• 82% believe a hybrid work model will provide the most opportunity for growth as they start their career. However, the survey does not find a significant desire for fully in-person or remote work. 14% believe that fully in-person will be most conducive to career growth, and only 4% think that fully remote is best. 

THOMAS: “Gen Z talent’s early focus on career success aligns to their long-term financial goals to support a well-rounded life with home ownership, the ability to raise a family and retire comfortably.”

• When considering their long-term financial goals, respondents value saving to buy a house (31%), saving for future family-related expenses such as childcare (20%), paying off debt (18%) and saving for retirement (16%) the most.
• A majority (53%) of respondents get most of their news updates from social media platforms, with Instagram, TikTok and X leading the way. 44% take a more traditional route, consuming traditional news via online news sites, cable TV and print.
• 57% do most of their shopping online either with delivery or in-store pick up, while 41% primarily shop at brick-and-mortar retail stores.
• 69% plan to watch the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, while 31% say they will not be tuning in.
• When asked about the upcoming U.S. presidential election, 82% say they plan to vote.