AI is everyday
74% of Gen Zs and millennials say they use AI in their day-to-day work, a big rise from earlier surveys.
Worldwide
What global surveys show
Deloitte’s 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey heard from 22,595 people in 44 countries between November 2025 and January 2026.
Steady over fast
Only 25% of Gen Zs prefer fast-paced career progression with rapid promotions; 44% prefer steady progress.
Leadership is not the main goal
Only 6% name reaching a leadership position as their primary career goal, often because of stress and work-life balance concerns.
Cost of living has been their top concern for five years in a row, yet 53% of Gen Zs expect their personal finances to improve within a year.
Closer to home
Is Gen Z struggling to get jobs in India?
For many educated young people, yes. The India Employment Report 2024, published by the International Labour Organization and the Institute for Human Development, found:
Graduates find it hardest
In 2022, unemployment among young graduates was 29.1%, far higher than among young people with little education.
Education alone is not enough
Unemployment among youth with secondary or higher education was 18.4% in 2022, pointing to a gap between education and available jobs.
Some improvement
Overall youth unemployment fell from 17.5% in 2019 to 10% in 2023, but educated youth still faced the toughest market.
The lesson is not to avoid education, but to choose courses carefully and build skills, projects and experience alongside a degree.
For students and parents
What these trends mean for career decisions
For students
- Choose a course you can commit to, not just a popular one
- Build real skills, projects and internships during college
- Learn to use AI tools well in your field
- Talk openly with parents about what matters to you
For parents
- Balance security with your child’s interests and strengths
- Value skills and experience, not only the degree name
- Understand that steady growth and balance matter to this generation
- Use an objective assessment to settle disagreements calmly
See the Career Decision Hub and guiding your child without pressure.
Who you will speak with
A counsellor with real workplace experience
Career Captain is led by Anil Velpula, a certified career counsellor with more than 20 years of corporate, training and mentoring experience.
His work across GE Capital, Synchrony and Cognizant gives a practical view of what different careers actually demand day to day. That perspective sits alongside the assessment results, so recommendations stay grounded in real courses, real jobs and the student’s own circumstances.
Questions families ask
Frequently asked questions
What career is Gen Z most interested in?
There is no single career. Surveys show Gen Z values steady growth, work-life balance, purpose and financial security, and many are drawn to technology, creative, health and business roles. Interest varies greatly from person to person.
Is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?
In India, educated young people face a tough market: the India Employment Report 2024 found unemployment among young graduates was 29.1% in 2022. Skills, projects and experience alongside a degree make a real difference.
How does Gen Z use AI at work?
Deloitte’s 2026 survey found 74% of Gen Zs and millennials use AI in their day-to-day work.
How can parents support a Gen Z child’s career choice?
Listen to what matters to them, look at evidence about their strengths, and discuss options calmly. A career counsellor can help families reach a decision together.
Continue exploring
Related guidance
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Sources: Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2026, press release · ILO and IHD: India Employment Report 2024. Figures are quoted as published and were checked in October 2026. Forecasts are estimates, not guarantees.