What Gen Z Graduates Want and Why Universities Need to Respond

Gen Z graduates in Europe are entering the job market with new expectations. According to State of the Graduate: Gen Z Talent in Europe 2025 (Handshake), many want job stability, purpose, ethical employers, and clarity about what comes after university (Handshake, 2025).

They also feel uncertain about their paths: what to study, what job they’ll get, and whether their values will align with their work (Handshake, 2025; Deloitte, 2025).

Key Trends Universities Should Know

• Balance of purpose and pay

  Gen Z students care deeply about whether their degree or future job matches their values (sustainability, ethics) while still providing financial security (Deloitte, 2025).

• Emphasis on learning and development

  Growth opportunities matter more than traditional prestige. Gen Z wants courses that offer real skills, internships, mentorship or chances to pivot career paths (Deloitte, 2025; Handshake, 2025).

• Flexibility & support

  Hybrid learning, modular study paths, mental health and career guidance early on are becoming non-negotiables (Handshake, 2025).

• Clarity in outcomes

  Graduates want transparency: What jobs have alumni gotten? What skills are in demand? How do program offerings match real market needs (Handshake, 2025).

What Universities Can Change

• Embed values in program design, e.g. sustainability, social purpose, ethical themes

• Be transparent about alumni outcomes: job types, salaries, progression

• Provide flexible & hybrid learning paths

• Improve student support: career counseling, mentorship, early planning

How StudyfinderAI Helps

StudyfinderAI gathers real student interest data through users, to help universities align programs with what Gen Z is looking for. Our tools enable institutions to design courses, marketing, and support services that better match student values, not just what’s traditional. Future students use our tool to explore potential university degrees that truly match with their interests and future plans - we gather the data and provide them as detailed report to universities, so that you can align your curriculum accordingly!

Conclusion

Gen Z isn’t looking for just another degree. They want meaning, clarity, flexibility, and authentic support. Universities that adapt now, by aligning course goals, designing clear outcomes, and offering real-world value, will not just attract more students; they’ll cultivate graduates who feel confident, supported, and ready for the future.

References

Deloitte. (2025, June 2). Gen Zs and millennials at work: Pursuing a balance of money, meaning, and well-being. Deloitte Global. https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html 

Handshake. (2025, May 19). State of the Graduate: Gen Z Talent in Europe 2025. Handshake. https://joinhandshake.co.uk/blog/network-trends/state-of-the-graduate-gen-z-talent-in-europe-2025