Career Development
Gen Z only need apply
Are you Gen Z or perhaps a parent of this generation? You are special according to a recent McKinsey report, and special career choices await you.
Who are GenZ?
Generation Z comprises people born between 1996 and 2010. This generation’s identity has been shaped by the digital age, climate anxiety, a shifting financial landscape, and COVID-19. Currently the second-youngest generation, with millennials before and Generation Alpha after, they have never known a world without the internet.
They are extremely online and spend a significant amount of time on their phones, working, shopping, dating, and making friends online. In Asia Gen Z’ers can spend up to 6hrs a day on their phones. They curate their online selves carefully and are active on video-sharing social media platforms like TikTok, and use such platforms to discuss their career choices.
They are known for their idealism and commitment to social and environmental issues.
Gen Z is considered unique for blending idealism with pragmatism. They're focused on earning a stable income, but compensation isn't their sole motivation. Career development and meaningful work are just as crucial. McKinsey suggests we might call them "ideal-matists"—a perfect blend of ideals and pragmatism.
Gen Zers will make up a quarter of the population of the Asia–Pacific region by 2025.
Gen Z's Professional Pathway
A recent report from QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, offers insights into the professional pathways available to Gen Z. In 2015, the United Nations set 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) aimed at eliminating poverty, protecting the planet, and promoting global peace and prosperity. AI has already played a role in achieving these goals, such as creating sustainable cities and ensuring quality education for all. Generative AI (gen AI) further expands these possibilities by enhancing productivity through personalisation, language translation, and democratising access to knowledge. These are just a few of the 600 use cases that could address social and environmental challenges related to the UN SDGs.
Many Zoomers are already interested in gen AI and disinterested in traditional tech roles. They could bring their emerging AI skills to SDG initiatives by pursuing AI alongside sustainable development, specific organizational contexts, or local culture. This combination is rare and valuable, especially in not-for-profit organisations that may lack AI expertise.
The result is a win-win-win situation. Gen Zers find greater purpose in their work, employers retain younger employees more easily, and the world becomes a better place
Global Sustainable Development Goals
Here is an overview of some of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in case you are not familiar with them (as most of us probably are not to be fair) with examples of where AI might help.
SDG 1: No Poverty
AI can help by:
- Directing cash aid to those most in need.
- Providing alternative credit scores to financially excluded individuals.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
AI can help by:
- Optimising agricultural production through precision farming techniques.
- Predicting and preventing crop diseases and pests.
- Improving food supply chain management to reduce waste.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
AI can help by:
- Early detection and diagnosis of diseases through medical imaging analysis.
- Personalised medicine and treatment recommendations based on genetic data.
- Remote patient monitoring and telemedicine for improved access to healthcare.
SDG 4: Quality Education
AI can help by:
- Use of adaptive learning platforms that personalise education based on individual needs.
- Intelligent tutoring systems for personalised guidance and support.
- Natural language processing for automated grading and feedback.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
AI can help by:
- Identifying and addressing gender bias in recruitment and hiring processes.
- Analysing gender pay gaps and recommending strategies for pay equity.
- Developing AI-powered tools to combat online harassment and abuse.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
AI can help by:
- Optimising energy distribution and consumption through smart grids.
- Predictive maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure.
- Energy demand forecasting for efficient resource allocation.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
AI can help through:
- Intelligent transportation systems for traffic management and congestion reduction.
- Smart waste management systems for efficient collection and recycling.
- AI-powered urban planning for sustainable infrastructure development.
These are just a few examples of how AI can be applied to address the Sustainable Development Goals.
A key challenge however is the availability of skilled AI professionals, particularly for not-for-profit organisations that may have limited resources. There is a shortage of AI experts who can develop and deploy AI solutions for social good.
Seven career opportunities that arise from using AI for SDGs and may be of interest to Gen Z include:
1 AI Specialists: Professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science are in high demand to develop and implement AI solutions for SDGs. They work on designing and training AI models, developing algorithms, and optimizing AI systems for specific SDG-related challenges.
2 Data Scientists: Data scientists play a crucial role in analyzing and interpreting large datasets to derive insights and patterns that can inform decision-making for SDG initiatives. They work on data collection, cleaning, and analysis to identify trends, predict outcomes, and optimize interventions.
3 Sustainability Analysts: Professionals with a background in sustainability and environmental sciences can leverage AI to analyse complex environmental data, model climate change scenarios, and develop strategies for sustainable resource management. They work on integrating AI technologies into sustainability practices and policies.
4 Social Impact Strategists: These professionals focus on leveraging AI to address social challenges and achieve SDGs. They work on identifying opportunities for AI adoption, developing strategies for AI implementation, and measuring the impact of AI initiatives on social outcomes.
5 Ethicists and Policy Experts: With the ethical considerations and policy implications surrounding AI, there is a growing need for professionals who can navigate the ethical and societal implications of AI for SDGs. They work on developing ethical guidelines, ensuring fairness and accountability in AI systems, and shaping policies that govern AI adoption. This is a crucial role and very much needed right now as AI development races ahead. Alarming stories abound of the potential inequities and issues resulting from AI use and these are the experts to bring potential harms to light.
6 AI for Development Consultants: These professionals provide consulting services to organizations and governments on how to effectively leverage AI for SDGs. They assess the feasibility and impact of AI solutions, provide guidance on implementation strategies, and support capacity building efforts.
7 AI Educators and Trainers: As the demand for AI skills grows, there is a need for educators and trainers who can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to work with AI for SDGs. They develop and deliver training programs, courses, and workshops on AI technologies and their applications in the context of sustainable development.
These are just a few examples of the career opportunities that arise from using AI for SDGs and these may well suit your Gen Z child or indeed yourself.
As AI continues to advance and its applications in sustainable development expand, new and diverse career paths are likely to emerge that will meet the idealistic yet pragmatic needs of this new generation energising the global workforce.
But of course this isn’t a case of Gen Z Only need apply – we can all be inspired by working for the betterment of the planet and it’s people.
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