Gen Z and Startups, A Perfect Match for Ambitious Job Seekers

When it comes to finding the right job, startups and Gen Z are a match made in heaven. The data speaks for itself. Of LinkedIn’s top startups — celebrating the 25 companies on the rise in Australia — 30% of all new hires were under 30 years of age. This compares with 28% aged 30 or under for all new hires across Australia. In New Zealand, it’s a similar story. 34% of all new hires at top startup companies were under 30 years of age, which is seven percentage points higher than the proportion of hires aged 30 and younger across the country.

So, what advice do startups have for Gen-Zers eager to join a young company on the rise? Here’s the lowdown.

Dive in Headfirst. “Go for it — and the sooner the better!” 

Startup life is exciting, fast-paced, and extremely rewarding. Unlike traditional big businesses, when you join a startup, you can have a real tangible impact on how the company develops and get in on the ground floor to become a senior person in a future industry leader. But remember, startups are known for their ups and downs. 

Words of Wisdom from Startup Founders

Jackson Zeng, CEO of Caleb & Brown:
“Be unreasonably patient and persistent. Most overnight successes actually happened over a decade.”

William Wang, People Partner at Tend Health Ltd:
“Join a company that is trying to solve a problem you identify with. You’ll learn a lot and be exposed to a variety of different roles that you likely won’t get in a corporate setting. This learning process might be challenging for some, but if you’re passionate about solving the problem, the work is a lot more interesting, worthwhile, and satisfying.”

Lauren Caldwell, Head of People and Culture at :Different:
“Be bold, be brave, and get your foot in the door. In a startup, you will have the rare opportunity to wear many hats day-to-day, own new and exciting projects, and have exposure to senior management that would not be possible in a large corporation. These experiences don’t come easy. You will need grit to ride the rollercoaster.”

Benjamin Humphrey, Co-founder and CEO of Dovetail:
“Startups are famously fast-paced and highly collaborative, which makes them a great place to learn. Expect to jump in, work with ambiguous problems, and deliver solutions that work. Embrace the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects to grow your skill set and speak up if you have an idea. Taking initiative and following through on executing ideas is celebrated in startups.”

Scarlett McDermott, Chief Technology Officer at WithYouWithMe:
“Start a digital apprenticeship and upskill with high-demand tech skills. The digital skills shortage is real, and the competition for talent in the market is fierce. If you have these in-demand skills and an entrepreneurial spirit, you’ll find the startup world is ripe with opportunity.”

For Indigenous job seekers, the startup world offers a vibrant and inclusive environment where you can truly make a difference. It’s about finding a company that aligns with your values and passions, and being ready to dive into a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. 

Take the leap, bring your unique perspective, and start building the future you want to see. The opportunities are out there, and the startup world is waiting for you!