Career Expectations of Generation Z

Abstract

In this study we address the importance of understanding career expectations of members of Generation Z. This generation represents the demographic cohort after the Millennials with a starting birth years in the mid-1990s to mid-2000s. Most of Generation Z have used the Internet since a young age and are comfortable with technology and social media. The research was conducted on 357 under graduate students currently enrolled in University of Novi Sad. The results indicate that life-balance, expertise, learning and freedom are found as the most important career aspects for Generation Z students. Gender differences in career expectations were examined. We make several suggestions for how human resources professionals can adjust and evolve current HR practices in order to respond to requests of their future employees. Since there were no Generation Z studies conducted in Serbia, these results give an important insight into current position of Serbian students in relation to findings from similar studies conducted in other countries.