How Gen Z is redefining success for decades to come

Higher education feels like it’s not enough – or maybe it isn’t the right answer at all. But Gen Z is motivated to continue learning and building on their skills to be prepared for the future. This thinking has been engrained in them practically since birth. The drive for continued personal growth may come in the form of advanced degrees, or may take shape in experiential learning, on-the-job training and upskilling, or volunteer apprenticeships to satiate their quest for knowledge.

Gen Z values spending money on experiences over material things. But it’s not the Instagram-worthy experiences that Millennials brought to the forefront (joy, escape, fun and projecting) that they’re buying – it’s betterment experiences that help them connect, learn, grow or enable wellness. Experiences that offer comfort and safety (eating out with friends) that enable them to make memories or help them grow, improve and have impact will motivate them to open their wallets.

Finding a sense of purpose is no longer something that’s done solely outside of work, but through their work. Leadership skills will be critical. Gen Z employees want to feel trusted, respected and recognized. What does good leadership look like? Perhaps someone who admits when they are struggling and encourages their team to do the same. Leaders who encourage mental downtime as much as they drive personal accomplishment – this is the mentorship relationship that will connect with Gen Z.

Ernst & Young LLP interviewed 25 leading-edge members of Gen Z from across the United States. In-depth interviews were completed between January 24 and February 2, 2022.

To be considered a member of Gen Z, a person had to have been born between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2007.