On the Verge of Generation Z: Career Expectations of Current University Students

Generation Z is currently starting to enter the world of work. The present study reports preliminary findings of research that aims to explore career preferences of Generation Z university students in Slovakia. The primary objective was to elaborate on the existing theoretical and empirical work on Generation Y by examining the extent to which factors that have been recognized as determinants of Generation Y's work-related expectations also matter to Generation Z. Based on the sample of 237 university students the results suggest that in search for a future employer, nature of job and work-life balance are the most important factors. Work-life balance is an important factor in terms of career expectations as well as job retention. Also, Generation Z expect their jobs to yield internal satisfaction and consider reward a strong factor of both job retention and work satisfaction. While these findings to some extent identify the overlaps between career preferences of both generations, further research is needed to explore potential unique career expectations of Generation Z.