As a boomer, I am sometimes envious of the Gen Z clients (those born between 1997 and 2012) because I imagine that they have such natural computer skills. In fact, in a recent study by Dell, 37%of Gen Z said that their education did not adequately prepare them for for life in the workplace and 44% said they only learned very basic computing skills. These results are especially surprising since Gen Z is the first cohort that grew up with computers and phones. This means that many members in the Gen Z demographic may not have the digital skills needed for the workplace!
In an interview with Fast Company, Adan Garry suggests that one cause is that schools and the educational system are built are the same way as they were in the 1950’s. In fact, it was only the pandemic which gave each child his/her own device. As Garry notes, “Workspaces have been created by older generations, while Gen Z is on their phones using TikTok and Instagram.”
Also, schools need to teach students how to navigate the web and assess the information they need. And once they find it, they need to be able to understand how reliable it is and whether it has biases it it.
Garry asserts that Gen Z has done a good job asserting themselves. High schools are beginning to ask how they can meet the needs of schools who want to prepare for the four-year college track as well as those who want to prepare for a different career path. Gen Z will soon have a variety of options and a deeper level of skills. Yet, it will take time for schools to create and implement an adequate digital curriculum.
So if you’re a member of Gen Z, take the time to get more digitally knowledgeable so you’re ready for the workplace of today and tomorrow.
