Preparing Gen Z for the workforce
Let’s talk about a couple of headlines that have been circulating lately:
“1 in 6 Companies Are Hesitant To Hire Recent College Graduates.”
“37% of Managers Prefer Hiring AI Over GenZ Graduates”
“Bosses are firing GenZ Graduates Just Months After Hiring Them”
If you just took your first full-time job—or you’re gearing up to enter the workforce soon—that stat might make your stomach drop. And I don’t blame you.
Alongside that headline come a lot of stereotypes:
“Gen Z doesn’t know how to communicate.”
“They’re too entitled.”
“They’re not professional.”
Let’s pause right there because I don’t believe those statements paint the full picture and I certainly don’t think they define you and all the hard working college graduates and early career professionals.
But I do want to be honest with you:
Yes, some early-career professionals are being let go.
No, it’s not always fair.
Yes, some companies are outsourcing jobs to AI.
And no, it’s not entirely your fault.
The System Wasn’t Built for You
You entered the workforce in a very different world than the generations before you.
Boomers and Gen Xers had onboarding programs that included shadowing, in-person mentorship, and daily check-ins. Their managers walked them through the ins and outs of office life in real life and it was easy to swing by someones desk for a question or overhear how someone was handling a tough meeting or phone call.
Not to mention… I just don’t think they were as busy back then as we are now.
But fast forward to the workforce you’re trying to navigate…You’re trying to learn how to “be professional” over Zoom calls and Slack threads, with minimal guidance and no clear expectations.
Most workplaces haven’t adapted fast enough to support early-career professionals in a remote-first, hybrid, and often chaotic workplace.
So no—your challenges aren’t a “you” problem.
But they are something you need to learn how to navigate. And I want to help you do that.
5 Practical Skills to Help You Succeed at Work
Here are five areas I recommend focusing on if you want to stand out, grow quickly, and stay employed (and empowered) in your early career:
1. Learn to Email Like a Pro
You’ll do more emailing than you ever imagined—and the bar is low.
If you can write clearly, confidently, and professionally, you will stand out.
Your emails should have a clear subject line, a direct ask, and be easy to read.
Avoid giant blocks of text. Use bullet points when possible. And always re-read before hitting send.
Not sure where to start? Grab my free Email Tip Kit for templates and best practices you can use right away.
2. Master the Unspoken Rules of Meetings
There’s a lot no one tells you about meetings—like when to speak up, how to take notes, or what to do if you’re called on unexpectedly.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Show up on time (or 2 minutes early)
Keep your camera on if it’s expected
Jot down notes and next steps
Follow up with a thank-you or action item summary if you promised to do something
It might feel small, but these habits show initiative and help build trust.
3. Build Relationships on Purpose
Even if you’re fully remote, don’t isolate yourself. Your success at work is often tied to your relationships—not just your output.
Take the time to send a check in message on Slack, stay a few minutes after a meeting to chat, or invite someone to a virtual coffee.
These small moments build connection—and connection builds confidence. Reference my networking blog post for more templates and ideas to help you build positive relationships in the workplace.
4. Ask for Feedback (Don’t Wait for It)
Your manager might not always give you clear feedback—and that’s not on you.
But you can still take charge of your growth by asking thoughtful questions like:
“Is there anything I could improve for next time?”
“What would you do differently if you were in my shoes?”
“How am I doing compared to expectations?”
It shows maturity, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn—all qualities that will take you far.
5. Develop Executive Presence (yes, even now)
Executive presence isn’t just about suits and titles—it’s how you carry yourself, communicate your ideas, and handle challenges.
You don’t need to know everything—but you do need to show that you’re prepared, thoughtful, and open to feedback.
Be clear. Be curious. And know your worth (without needing to prove it constantly).
Let’s Rewrite the Narrative
You are not “too much.”
You are not “too green.”
You are not lazy or entitled.
You are part of a generation entering work at one of the most complex times in history—and you deserve support, mentorship, and the tools to succeed.
And I’m here to give you those tools.
If you’re ready to build your communication skills, grow your confidence, and get support navigating your first few years at work, check out my Email Tip Kit made specifically for early-career professionals like you.
You don’t have to do this alone.
