Is LinkedIn Gen Z’s Secret Weapon for Career Growth?

A simple yet compelling question: Why is it time to look beyond entertainment and build your future?
Dear Gen Zer, Let’s speak heart-to-heart about something important for your future: LinkedIn. You might think it’s just a platform for older individuals like Boomers or Millennials, but that’s where you ignored a potential growth chance. Hear this out! An open secret, LinkedIn is like a vault of opportunities and networks waiting for Gen Z to open. It’s not just about job hunting but also about creating your personal brand, learning new skills and even making money by offering your professional skills. Why should you care about it and how can it shape your career? Follow me!

What Makes LinkedIn Special for Gen Z?

LinkedIn is a professional playground, while other social media platforms predominantly focus on sharing reels and memes. There are career growth opportunities on Instagram, too, but if you want to be a professional expert or an entrepreneur, start a side hustle, land your dream job, or learn skills that set you apart, LinkedIn is the place to be.

A study revealed that 72% of Gen Zers build a professional brand online before even entering the workforce. They know the power of digital presence, and LinkedIn helps them use it effectively.

Numbers never lie!

Did you know that as of 2024, 24.5% of LinkedIn users worldwide are aged 18 to 24? That’s a big number of Gen Zers already utilising the platform. Plus, they’re connecting 28.7% more often than Millennials each month.

What’s driving this change? According to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index, 81% of Gen Zers switch jobs for roles that align with their values and 76% do it to learn and practice new skills. Many others are starting their own brands and start-ups, pushing the limits beyond their skill sets and just jobs. These numbers prove that Gen Z is a generation that values growth and purpose over just paychecks.

Many Gen Zers are turning their passions into reality by jumping from classrooms to boardrooms.

What does it mean to be a professional? Take the story of Ziad Ahmed. He founded a Gen Z consultancy as a junior in high school to help organisations effectively reach young people. He shows how his generation brings their whole selves to their jobs and is in “an empowered moment” to reimagine workplaces that value the perspective of young professionals and prioritise thoughtful decision-making. Ahmed confronts where Gen Z fits into a multi-generational workforce and opens up about how he strikes a balance while leading a group of peers.
How is he not letting his age define his career? He started this company with his best friends when, and many people along the way have doubted us because of their age. But their success over the last six years proves exactly what their generation is capable of when given the chance.

It’s not for everyone; I get it. But you don’t always need to start a company; you can freelance and consult. For instance, a young Youtuber and designer built up his portfolio on LinkedIn and attracted clients directly. During the pandemic, Hullur improved his video-editing skills, which led to him creating short-form content on TikTok. As a single-person-operated media production company, he shows how to shine in the creator economy and shares his tips and tricks with others through his LinkedIn.
How is he not letting his age define his career? He surrounds himself with people older and wiser than me so that he can absorb their intelligence!

If he can do it, so can you. This is just the tip of the iceberg; we have numerous ways and options to market and improve as professional influencers.

Why LinkedIn is a must for Gen Z?

• Of course, for skill development, whether you want to learn data analytics, graphic design or coding, LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of courses, and you can connect with professionals. The Reelstars helps to connect you all with them, too!
• Professional Branding has become a must, so create a profile that highlights your talents, not just LinkedIn, but nowadays, social media is like your digital resume.
• The best and most important is networking. We can connect with professionals, professors, and even CEOs. Who knows? Your next mentor might just be a connection away. Follow this space to know more!
• From internships to side gigs, LinkedIn is full of work opportunities.

How to Start Your LinkedIn Journey

• Firstly, create a profile using a clear photo and write a catchy headline. Your summary should highlight your skills and aspirations.
• Then, connect with your classmates, professors and professionals from your dream industries. Do not worry; we’re here to provide as much information as possible about professional influencers and people with goals to help and uplift others!
• Keep engaging by sharing your works & articles and commenting on posts. You can also join LinkedIn groups and pages related to your field and topic of interest.

Gen Z and Alpha for Millennials and Beyond

I feel that Millennials and Gen Xers can learn from Gen Z’s digital expertise. If you think Gen Z is impressive, wait until you meet Gen Alpha. Born between 2010 and 2025, they’re already exploring digital tools. By 2030, the first wave of Gen Alpha will join the workforce, likely outshining us all with their tech savvy. Gen Zers value flexibility, continuous learning, and meaningful roles. The COVID-19 pandemic may have tested their stability, but it also made them more ambitious and adaptable.

All I want to say is…

It is tempting to stick to Instagram or Snapchat for fun and growth in a particular aspect. However, if you want to be an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a top executive, LinkedIn can help you get there, and the future begins here.

So, are you ready? Start building your profile today. Your future self will thank you for it. And who knows? You might be an inspiration for the next generation to follow your lead. They’re not so far!