High school, college applications, moving away and years of studying (maybe a little bit of partying, too) have all led to this moment: graduation. Like countless others before you, you’re probably wondering what the future holds. 

While much of it is up to you, we can help you as you navigate the next steps. Gen Z: Here’s our best advice for entering the workforce. 

Consider your goals

What do you want to be when you grow up? Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? As a young 20-something, you’ve faced these questions for much of the last decade.

But that’s all been from other people. Now is the time to be introspective and ask these things of yourself. Some great starting questions to consider include:

• What are my short- and long-term goals?
• What do I want my career to look like?
• How important is money? Culture? Growth opportunities?
• What would the work environment look like for me to thrive? 

There are obviously many more questions to consider, but the important thing is that you take the time to truly understand your career goals. And, hey, there’s no pressure. Life happens, plans change and it’s okay to not fully know where you want to be down the line. As long as you take the time to start to understand what you want, you’ll find a role that’s aligned with your future goals.

Build your skills

One of the best things you can do early on is develop your skills. Think about where you want to be down the road and learn the skills needed to reach those goals. 

If you’re seeking a career in sales, you may want to work on interpersonal skills, seek out sales training and ensure you understand CRM systems. If you want to eventually move into management, consider attending leadership seminars, earning certifications in related courses/strategies/technologies and honing your communication skills.

With skills-first hiring on the rise and experience playing less and less of a role, the right combination of skills and education (or the expertise needed to supplant that education) could land you your dream position sooner than you imagine.

Seek out support

Any successful career survives on a network of support. Yours should be no different. Seek out the support of peers, mentors and trusted former colleagues to help you begin and continue your career. 

This support is more than just asking for references. Your support system can help you prepare for an interview, understand the expectations of a new role, provide introductions to others in your desired field or anything in between. 

Social media can be a great tool for building your network of support, too. LinkedIn, for instance, centers around the idea of creating a space for professionals to connect. Plus, it can be an excellent resource when entering the workforce and finding a job.

Ultimately, how you choose to leverage your support network is up to you. However, we recommend that you continue seeking out networking opportunities and building your network throughout your career. You never know when these connections could come in handy, and it’s better to have a well-established network than a poor one when you need it most.

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Entering the workforce and starting your career shouldn’t be tough. ZSG, a leading recruiting firm in Columbus, Ohio, ensures that it isn’t. We have open positions on our team that provide training and mentorship to start your career on the right track. Check out how you can begin your career in sales and recruiting today.