Hi guys! I’m Erin, and I am currently spending my summer as a Strategy intern at Pink Squid! I’ve just finished my second year at the University of Strathclyde studying a degree in Marketing and HR, and so far I’ve been loving it. But I won’t lie, it's been a weird journey to get where I am today.

Even though I have this position which is a huge milestone for me and my career, the thought of starting my early career is the most stressful and daunting thing for me. When there is so much negative news about my generation's future, it’s hard not to question how hopeful we should be. In university they always say that entering the workplace is competitive, difficult, and ruthless. They say the main goal is to sell yourself, and stand out from the rest of the crowd. But I always wonder how to sell myself if I haven’t had time to figure out who I am yet?

My growth as a person, along with the rest of my generation’s, was significantly derailed because of the pandemic. We were shut in our rooms, forced to learn from a screen, not see our friends, and basically lived in a bubble for 3 years. Then, when we could re-enter the world, we were legally adults, and that meant in the eyes of others, we didn't need support or guidance. Instead, the impact on our generation was disregarded in one saying, “That’s life.” 

I went from a 15 year old girl to an adult in the blink of an eye.

The only way I can describe that feeling is whiplash. Harsh whiplash. And I’m still waiting for someone to check on me and ask ‘Are you okay?’. 

Although I look grown up on the outside, I still feel like that confused child sitting in a classroom being told her first exams were postponed and that school was cancelled for a couple of weeks. If only I knew what a couple of weeks would turn into…

Even now, starting out in early careers and growing closer to being a graduate, my future is still seeming derailed. Salaries don’t match the cost of living, a degree or education doesn’t guarantee you a job, and everything from others' opinions to political stances seem to be against us. 

It might sound bleak, but it doesn’t have to be. So here’s a message from Gen Z to future managers, employers and organisations - Don’t assume you know us without trying to understand us. Don’t dismiss us, have a conversation with us. We are passionate and excited about the possibilities of our careers, so guide us to our potential. Nurture us into the generation we can be, no matter how lost we got in the beginning. We are ready when you are.

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