14 Reasons Gen Z Is More Entrepreneurial Than Boomers Think
Boomers often call Gen Z the laziest generation, saying they don’t care about their futures and spend all their money on avocado toast and iced coffee. But what they don’t admit is that Gen Z has achieved some of the most innovative things in history. In fact, recent research shows half of them want to start their own business one day!
In this article, we’ll discuss 14 reasons why Gen Z is more entrepreneurial than we think, with proof to back it up. Gen Z is skilled in collaboration, online business, and gaining knowledge. They have a ton of experience with new technology, and we shouldn’t underestimate them just because they live differently.
Access To Resources
Because of Gen Z’s superior technology, compared to the old boomer ways of learning, they are able to learn at a more rapid pace. Websites like Coursera, EDX, and Khan Academy are perfect examples of ways Gen Z has to learn just about any skill imaginable! It’s easier for them to focus on what they need to know rather than filtering out in-person lessons.
Tech Savvy And Connected
The advancements that Gen Z has made in technology give them a huge advantage. Gen Z was raised on electronics and the internet, which gives most of them a vast knowledge of the tools at their disposal. They are good at connecting with anyone over the internet who can help them with things they don’t understand.
Self-Education
Gen Z is highly self-educated. They are well-driven to do well at the things they want to achieve and have all the tools in the world to learn anything they need to know. From the Internet to books, even to podcasts, there’s always a way for them to improve their knowledge.
The Rise of Entrepreneurship Programs
Initiatives like the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) bring entrepreneurial classes to students, especially people from low-income families. Using this invaluable tool, Gen Z has become more influenced by the idea of owning a business rather than working for one.
Thiel Fellowship
The Thiel Fellowship awards $100,000 to young entrepreneurs who are willing to skip college and focus on their own small businesses. Gen Z is okay with taking risks to achieve great things. Many think trying to make it themselves and failing is a better option than working a job that they hate only to make just enough to survive.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Gen Z has access to MOOCs, which are great ways for the inexperienced to connect with experts in their field. The courses are usually taught by said experts and can cover anything from business negotiation to coding!
Digital Fluency
Gen Z is very fluent with digital tools. Because of how big of a role technology plays in our everyday lives now, since Gen Z’s birth, they have been exposed to it. They have been using these tools their entire lives, so it’s just like a second nature for them.
Global Perspective
With the world now so connected, Gen Z has been exposed to all types of different cultures and people. Their perspective on others is really accepting, and they are the most progressive generation yet. They are very welcoming to any type of culture, no matter how strange it may seem.
Early Exposure To Entrepreneurship
Gen Z has seen so many young business owners through social media. They follow startup stories, watch shows like Shark Tank, and engage with entrepreneurial content online. Taking all these different outlets throughout their lives has made them believe owning a business and being an entrepreneur is the only real way to enjoy life to its fullest.
Financial Independence
Most Gen Z members believe that financial independence is the most important goal to reach. They are well versed in ways to achieve it, too, such as e-commerce, dropshipping, and specialized local jobs that are tailored to their own skills. Many Gen Z members have all types of side hustles, and they save as much as they can.
Problem-Solving Mindset
Gen Z has the mindset needed to fix any problem. They work hard to improve their lives. Gen Z has helped influence some of the most important technological advances, and without their problem-solving skills, none of it would have been possible.
Social Impact
Gen Z cares about social and environmental issues. Many of them want to create businesses that make a positive impact. Social entrepreneurship and purpose-driven projects are highly relatable to this generation.
Adaptability
Members of Gen Z have seen some insane advancements in every aspect of human life. They understand that industries evolve, and they are adaptable to these changes. This flexibility allows them to pivot and thrive in different business ventures.
Collaboration And Networking
Gen Z is good at networking and collaborating with others. They leverage social media and virtual events to connect with like-minded people. They understand that building a good team is vital to their own success and have no trouble finding people who share their aspirations.