Unlocking Your Potential in the Gen Z Era

Jamie Belinne, associate dean for career and industry engagement in the C. T. Bauer College of Business

Jamie Belinne, associate dean for career and industry engagement in the C. T. Bauer College of Business

Whether transitioning from high school to university, switching majors or gearing up for the next step in your career, these shifts can be both exciting and overwhelming. Jamie Belinne, associate dean for career and industry engagement in the C. T. Bauer College of Business offers three tips on how Gen Z students can better prepare for future career success.

3 Tips

Get Practical Experience
As students prepare to enter the workforce through internships and jobs, Belinne underscores the importance of gaining practical experience, and it can start well before your job search. “The more you have opportunities to apply your learning in real settings, the easier that transition is,” she says.

While navigating these transitions, seize growth opportunities. Belinne highlights the value of experiential courses for building applied skills for your future career. “Group projects with clients that allow you to work with others for a cause that matters to you can help ease the transition,” she explains.

It’s not just internships and work experience that can help. Getting involved in student organizations is a great way to gain leadership and build interpersonal skills. “Student organizations will allow you to experience some of the same challenges and opportunities to learn leadership and interpersonal and political challenges you'll face in the real world,” Belinne notes. Building these skills early on can be invaluable for future endeavors and professional growth.
Grow Your Network
Networking plays a crucial role in expanding professional connections for Gen Z students. According to Belinne, building purposeful relationships with people that are doing things that you find interesting can significantly enhance your career prospects and provide valuable insights into various industries and career paths.

In an era where artificial intelligence is transforming industries, unique human skills remain indispensable. “AI lacks the ability to contextualize data and build relationships,” Belinne points out. “If you’re able to build good relationships and understand people and their challenges, you’re going to be in a good position long-term because you won’t be replaced by a computer.”
Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Whether it's initiating conversations with strangers, applying for internships or attending recruiting events, such actions pave the way for remarkable opportunities. It’s through these steps where individuals can make themselves available for greatness to unfold, facilitating a seamless transition into their future career.

“Growth only comes from a certain amount of discomfort. If you're not getting out of your comfort zone and doing things that are just a little bit scary, you're never going to get anywhere awesome,” says Belinne.