Gen Z Faces Job Market Pressures and AI Challenges in 2024

As the academic year begins in September 2024, students from various universities are expressing their concerns about the job market, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), and the pressures of social media. A recent survey conducted among students at four major post-secondary institutions in Winnipeg highlights the significant anxieties faced by this generation as they navigate their educational and professional futures.

Clara Sydor, a psychology major at the University of Manitoba, reflects on her journey from a potential biology major to her current focus on mental health. Although excited to graduate, she feels apprehensive about entering the workforce. “I’m nervous about not getting a job or not making enough money to properly sustain living on my own,” she shared. Sydor also serves as the director of social programming for the Arts Student Body Council, where she helps to organize events that foster community engagement.

The pressures of social media weigh heavily on students like Sydor. She notes that the constant comparison to curated online personas can exacerbate issues related to body image. “With the amount of media young women see, body image has become a bigger issue,” she said. Unlike previous generations, today’s youth are bombarded with images altered by filters and cosmetic enhancements, leading to heightened self-consciousness.

Amid these challenges, many students are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for assistance with their studies. While Sydor admits she uses AI to refine her writing, she emphasizes the importance of understanding its implications. “I think people need to be educated on it and how it works,” she stated. This concern is echoed by her peers, who advocate for clear guidelines on AI usage in academic settings.

In a parallel narrative, Gunkar Singh, a student at Red River College pursuing a career in software development, expresses optimism about his field. He aims to secure a co-op internship with major tech companies, believing this experience will enhance his job prospects. Singh acknowledges the challenges posed by modern education, stating that the shift to digital assignments leaves little room for traditional learning methods. “Now, everything’s digital and there are more quizzes,” he explained.

Singh also shares his thoughts on AI’s role in the job market. “While AI helps, it has taken a lot of jobs,” he warned. He recognizes the dual nature of AI as both a beneficial tool and a potential threat to future employment.

Another student, Sania Parvej, highlights her personal struggles with social media and its addictive nature. “I would probably say phone addiction, and I say that as someone who is definitely addicted to their phone,” she confessed. Parvej, who hopes to enter journalism, is concerned about the negative effects of AI on her future career. “I believe it’s dishonest and mainly made by people who want to steal from others’ hard work,” she stated, reflecting a growing skepticism among students regarding AI’s influence.

As these students navigate their academic journeys, they grapple with the pressing realities of a competitive job market and the pervasive nature of technology in their lives. Many express a desire to cultivate hobbies and engage in activities that do not involve screens, seeking a balance that allows them to unwind from the stresses of their studies.

With graduation approaching, these students remain hopeful yet apprehensive about the future. They are determined to carve out careers that align with their passions and values, while also confronting the challenges of modern life. The insights gathered from this survey provide a window into the minds of Gen Z students, offering a glimpse of their aspirations and fears as they step into an uncertain but promising future.