What GenZs look for in an internship?

In the ever-evolving landscape of talent acquisition, it's imperative for companies and recruiters to understand the unique motivations and expectations of the emerging workforce. Generation Z is now stepping into the professional world, bringing with them a fresh set of priorities and values.

But first, let's take a quick dive - Gen Z, often referred to informally as Zoomers, is a generation that follows Millennials and comes before Generation Alpha. While the precise dates may be subject to debate, individuals born approximately from 1997 to the late 2010s are considered part of this demographic cohort.

At Altwürk, we have a dynamic team of interns comprised entirely of Gen Z! Today, we're thrilled to take you deep into their world and share key insights from our incredibly positive experience working with these emerging leaders.

Let’s get started…

?? Real-world Experience:

Gen Z is eager to gain real-world experience as early as possible. They want to get a taste of everything before they have to make significant career choices. In other words, they crave hands-on opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

?? Multiple Roles:

Gen Z isn't content with a one-dimensional internship. They crave diversity in their roles, eagerly taking on new challenges and exploring different facets of a company. This hunger for variety allows them to explore their interests and discover their strengths.

?? Flexibility:

The traditional 9-to-5 work model no longer resonates with Gen Z. They're in search of internships that offer flexibility in terms of work hours and location. This could mean embracing remote work or flexible scheduling to accommodate their unique needs and preferences. Altwürk with it's proprietary tech is on a mission to make this flexibility accessible and available, not only for our interns but for every seeker out there as we move closer to the future of work.

?? Networking Opportunities:

Building connections is paramount for Gen Z. They're eager to meet professionals in their field, knowing that strong networks will pave the way for their future careers. At Altwürk, we understand the power of a robust professional network and encourage our interns to connect, learn, and grow.

?? Career Alignment:

Gen Z interns want more than just a job; they want to see how it fits into their long-term career goals. Discussing their long-term goals and how the internship aligns with them is crucial. It's about creating a roadmap for success together.

?? Entrepreneurial Mindset:

Gen Z possesses an entrepreneurial spirit. They thrive in environments that foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Giving them ownership of projects where they can make a real impact is a winning strategy for everyone involved.

?? Learning opportunities:

Gen Z wants internships that offer learning opportunities. They want to gain new skills and knowledge that will help them in their future careers. Continuous learning is essential to their personal and professional growth.

?? Purpose-Driven Opportunities:

Gen Z values purpose. They want their work to matter and align with their values. Internships that offer meaningful experiences and contribute to a larger cause are highly attractive to them.

?? Feedback and Recognition:

Transparency and constructive feedback matter to Gen Z. Regular check-ins and open communication channels are pivotal in keeping them engaged, motivated, and on the path to success.

?? Diversity and Inclusion:

Gen Z is the most diverse generation in history, and they value workplaces that embrace this diversity and promote inclusivity. Internship programs that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives create a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming environment.

Tailoring your internship programs to meet their expectations will not only attract top talent but also contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking workplace culture.

Stay tuned for more insights from Altwürk as we continue to learn from and support the Gen Z workforce of tomorrow.