Forget work-life balance: Gen Z say their top priority is actually career growth, with 93% aspiring for the C-suite
Career growth is a higher priority for Gen Z than work-life balance, workplace culture, and even salary, according to a KPMG survey of interns.
Gen Z, entering the workforce amid AI advancements, prioritize career growth over work-life balance or salary. A KPMG survey of 900 summer interns revealed 93% aspire to reach the C-suite. Derek Thomas, KPMG's national partner-in-charge of university talent acquisition, warns that leaning on AI for thinking alone may hinder the development of critical human skills.
Despite work-life balance remaining a priority for many, Gen Z's ambitions focus on climbing corporate ladders. KPMG partners in the UK earned £880,000 ($1.2 million) in fiscal year 2025, while S&P 500 CEOs averaged $18.9 million in 2024. Critical thinking ranks as the most sought-after skill to distinguish entry-level employees, with 76% believing long-term success demands both human skills and AI proficiency.
However, Gen Z worries that overreliance on AI could weaken critical thinking. Business leaders like Daniel Lubetzky, Jamie Dimon, and Andy Jassy emphasize the importance of human skills, advising Gen Z to lean into their creativity, critical thinking, and communication abilities to stay ahead in the AI era.
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