Zoomer-preferred career paths find the State service ranked highly among top selections
In a recent survey involving over 600 young people from major Russian cities, it was revealed that the field of Information Technology (IT) is the most attractive for the upcoming generation, chosen by 17% of respondents. This preference for IT aligns with Gen Z's desire for meaningful, purpose-driven work that offers stability, advanced technology engagement, and continuous learning opportunities.
As digital natives, Gen Z prioritises jobs that integrate technology fluently, support mental health and work-life balance, and align with their values, such as environmental and social responsibility. Despite some Gen Z graduates turning away from Big Tech firms due to concerns about job security amid layoffs and automation, IT roles still appeal due to their forward-looking nature and adaptability to remote, flexible working arrangements.
This shift in preference affects employers in several ways. Recruitment strategies must now highlight purpose, values alignment, and career meaningfulness rather than just traditional career ladders or salary. To attract and retain Gen Z talent, companies must foster flexible policies, mental health support, and transparent, digital-first communication. With Gen Z's tendency to job-hop if needs for purpose and support aren't met, employers face increased turnover risk and must innovate on engagement and development opportunities.
Moreover, Gen Z's entrepreneurial mindset, tech fluency, and preference for diversity and inclusion push organizations toward more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking cultures. However, the survey also revealed that 79% of Russian employers encounter inflated expectations and demands from job seekers under 28.
The most frequently cited obstacles in job hunting were the need to complete test assignments (57%) and going through multiple interview stages (41%). Nervousness and psychological pressure during completion are reasons cited by 38% and 54% of Gen Z, respectively, for not willing to complete online test assignments. Other challenges mentioned were face-to-face interviews, inconvenient interview times, online tests, and interviews with a large number of interviewers.
Interestingly, the financial sector came in second, chosen by 14% of respondents, followed by civil service (13%), marketing and advertising (11%), education (9%), the product sector, retail trade, and jurisprudence (each receiving 6% of the votes).
The article discusses these findings and the reasons why youth is drawn to IT and how it affects employers. For more insights, you can find the full article in the Telegram channel @expert_mag.
In light of the survey results, it's evident that Gen Z is not only attracted to IT roles due to their integration of technology and promising future, but also due to their alignment with Gen Z's preferences for flexible, purposeful, and socially responsible work. Moreover, the financial sector appears to be the second most attractive field for Gen Z, suggesting a strong interest in business and finance, as well as education and self-development, which also received notable mentions in the survey.
