Generation Z, or often referred to as Gen Z, is the generation born between 1997 and 2012. They are known as a generation that is very familiar with technology, the internet and social media. However, despite growing up in the digital age, many of them face major challenges in entering the workforce. Why do Gen Zs have this difficulty? What makes it difficult for them to get a job, and how can we help them get out of this situation?
1. Lack of Work Experience
One of the biggest challenges faced by Gen Z is the lack of work experience. As recent graduates, many of them do not have enough professional experience. Meanwhile, many companies prefer candidates with at least 2-3 years of work experience, so Gen Z graduates often lose out to more experienced candidates.
According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn in 2023, around 45% of employers identified lack of work experience as the main obstacle for Gen Z to get a job. The mismatch between Gen Z’s qualifications and the requirements demanded by employers makes it difficult for them to enter the job market.
2. Skills Mismatch with Industry Needs
Although Gen Z is a tech-savvy generation, many of them face the problem of skills mismatch with industry needs. Skills needed in the modern workforce, such as coding, data analysis, and digital marketing, are not fully taught in many formal education institutions.
A 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) report revealed that 40% of the skills needed in today’s workforce are digital skills. However, many Gen Z graduates lack these technical skills, making it difficult for them to compete in an increasingly competitive job market.
3. High Expectations of Work
Gen Z is known to have high expectations of their jobs and careers. They look for jobs that not only offer a decent salary, but also flexibility, opportunities for growth, and a work environment that supports a balanced life. However, the reality of the job market often does not match these expectations, especially for entry-level positions.
Many of them turn down low-paying jobs or positions that are considered less attractive, hoping to get a job that is more in line with their expectations. However, this also causes them to stay unemployed longer.
4. Increased Competition
The level of competition in the job market is increasing, especially with the significant population growth. Every year, millions of new graduates enter the job market, while the number of available jobs doesn’t always grow as quickly. This makes competition even tougher, and Gen Z will have to compete not only with their fellow generation, but also with millennials who already have more experience.
5. Impact of Digital Transformation
The rapid digital transformation also poses challenges for Gen Z. Many companies are turning to digitization, automation and the use of advanced technology, which is changing the structure of work and reducing the need for workers in traditional sectors. Gen Z who do not quickly adapt to these changes, especially those who do not have digital skills, will find it increasingly difficult to compete in the job market.
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How Can Productive Zakat Help Gen Z Get Out of Unemployment?
In the midst of this challenge, there is a solution that can help Gen Z, especially those who have difficulty getting a job, namely through the productive zakat program. Productive zakat is a form of zakat that is not only given in the form of consumptive assistance, but also used to empower zakat recipients to be economically independent.
Dompet Dhuafa, one of the leading zakat institutions in Indonesia, has special programs designed to help young people, including Gen Z, to gain skills that are relevant to industry needs. One of Dompet Dhuafa’s flagship programs is the Institute of Independence, which aims to equip young people, especially the poor, with skills and knowledge that can be used to enter the workforce or even start their own business.
Dompet Dhuafa Institute of Independence offers training in various fields, such as engineering, entrepreneurship, and digital skills, all of which are tailored to the needs of today’s job market. Through this program, participants not only get skills training, but also mentoring and access to business capital, so they can be better prepared to compete in the job market or develop their own businesses.
According to Dompet Dhuafa’s 2023 annual report, the Institut Kemandirian program has successfully trained more than 10,000 poor youth, and many of them are now working or opening their own businesses. The program not only helps them escape the cycle of unemployment, but also provides hope and opportunities to build a better future.
The Gen Z phenomenon of unemployability is a real challenge, influenced by various factors such as lack of work experience, skills mismatch with industry needs, high career expectations, and increasingly fierce competition. Although this challenge is significant, there are many ways to help them overcome this difficulty, one of which is through productive zakat programs.
By utilizing productive zakat, as done by Dompet Dhuafa through the Institute of Independence, Gen Z can gain relevant skills, get support to start a business, and get out of unemployment status. This is not only a short-term solution, but also a long-term investment in empowering the younger generation and reducing the unemployment rate in Indonesia.
Let us support programs like this, which provide opportunities for Gen Z to develop themselves and achieve economic independence. With the right steps, we can help them find their way to a successful career and a brighter future.
