Generation Next: NHPA Publishing Intern on What Gen-Z Wants in an Employer

By Zoe Benson

Starting a new job can be hard. You have to learn how the business runs and meet new people all while trying to prove that you belong there, all while trying to hold off a case of imposter syndrome in the process.

When I first started working at NHPA, I was excited to start working there, however, I developed a case of imposter syndrome. I feared I wasn’t living up to the expectations of the people I was working with. I think this is a common experience among Gen Z. When starting a new job, we fear we won’t meet the expectations people have of us.

Thankfully, my imposter syndrome left as quickly as it came thanks to the people around me. The people at NHPA are very friendly and kind. Whenever I came to sit downstairs, they always invited me to join their conversations. I also would receive positive feedback about my work from those around me.

However, during this time, I also learned to get myself out of my imposter syndrome rather than relying solely on others to help me. I learned to stop fearing something bad would happen and focus on the good things that could happen. When I would make suggestions on things to edit, I worried that others would hate my ideas or they wouldn’t accept them because they would think they are silly. Before I let those thoughts get too far, I changed my mindset. I started asking the questions: What if they really like this idea? What if they accept it? What if it makes the story better? I also reminded myself that it isn’t the end of the world if I have a bad idea.

I also learned to be confident in my abilities. I knew I had the drive to be excellent and the experience to back it up. I had to learn
that my abilities are enough and remind myself that I was here for a reason; they were interested in what I had to bring to the magazine. NHPA showed me that I didn’t have to feel out of place or fear I am not good enough, which I think is something Gen Z wants to find in their jobs. They want a place where they don’t have to feel like an imposter.

They want a place where they can be creative and let themselves shine through their work. When it comes to professional jobs, I think Gen Z fears that they will have to dim the light that’s inside of them. They want a workplace that will let me be themselves and let them show their coworkers their personality.

This is something I found at NHPA. I felt like I was able to be myself with those around me and in my work. It’s something I hope other Gen Zers experience too.