Trends: A

significant

proportion of

الجيل Z

expresses a desire

to pursue

entrepreneurship.

A significant proportion of Generation Z expresses a desire to pursue entrepreneurship, with many considering delaying or bypassing traditional higher education. This trend may offer several advantages worth considering.

According to a recent Nielsen study, approximately 54% of Generation Z expressed a desire to start their own business. These aspiring entrepreneurs cited factors such as having greater control, avoiding debt, living a purposeful life, and being environmentally conscious as key motivations behind their entrepreneurial ambitions. Furthermore, many within this demographic are reconsidering the necessity of attending college, particularly given its high costs and the potential for debt, as they pursue their goals.

A separate study by TD Ameritrade, which surveyed over 3,000 U.S. teenagers and adults—including 1,000 Gen Z individuals (ages 15 to 21), 1,000 young Millennials (ages 22 to 28), and 1,000 parents (ages 30 to 60)—revealed that a growing number of Gen Z members are open to alternative educational paths, or in some cases, forgoing higher education altogether. Approximately one in five Gen Z and young Millennial respondents indicated that they may choose not to attend college, while many others view nontraditional educational paths as beneficial.

More than 30% of Gen Z respondents and 18% of young Millennials reported considering a gap year between high school and college. Additionally, 89% of Gen Z and nearly 79% of young Millennials are contemplating education pathways that differ from the traditional four-year college degree immediately following high school. This represents an 18% increase among Millennials since 2017. The appeal of taking a gap year is growing among Gen Z, likely influenced by the increasing availability of technology-driven jobs and the rise of “digital nomad” opportunities.

In response to these shifts, companies are increasingly assuming the role of educators, offering targeted job training and ensuring workers’ skills remain relevant in a rapidly evolving job market. Corporations such as Google, Adobe, HubSpot, and Microsoft now provide affordable or even free certifications that equip students with essential job skills. Notably, Gen Z students are beginning to ask recruiters whether companies will support their skill development. In turn, companies like AT&T, Apple, and Adobe are prioritizing job and skills training to meet this demand.

Another alternative is for students to take a gap year or enter the workforce directly after high school to gain valuable work experience and explore potential career interests. This approach does not preclude attending college later on, should they decide it is necessary. Working after high school offers income without the burden of student debt, and gaining professional experience early on can provide valuable insights into future career paths. Similarly, a gap year allows students to combine work, travel, and volunteering, offering a broader perspective on their personal and professional goals.

Attending college at a later stage is also becoming more common, with many institutions—from community colleges to Ivy League universities—offering financial and academic support for “mature” students. In 2018, over 7.6 million college students in the U.S. were 25 years old or older, representing more than 30% of the total college student population, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

In considering the intersection of entrepreneurial aspirations and the reevaluation of traditional education, several benefits of delaying or forgoing college immediately after high school emerge:

1. Perspective from a gap year: At 18, few individuals have a clear understanding of their long-term career goals. A gap year offers time to explore interests and determine what truly matters before committing to a specific educational path.
2. Next-generation skills: Many employers are now looking beyond college degrees, instead prioritizing specific certifications and practical skills. Mastering these next-generation tools can make individuals highly valuable in the workforce.
3. Valuable work experience: For those without prior professional experience, entering the workforce directly after high school provides invaluable insights into the demands of a professional environment. Combining this experience with modern skills further enhances career prospects.
4. Income without debt: By working immediately after high school, individuals can earn an income, avoid student debt, and discover their strengths and interests in the professional world.
5. Remote work opportunities: The rise of digital nomadism demonstrates that being physically present at a company location is not always necessary. Success is increasingly measured by output, making remote work a viable option for many.
6. Purposeful college experience: Entering college after gaining work experience allows students to approach higher education with greater maturity and a clearer sense of purpose, making the experience more meaningful and goal-oriented.

In light of these factors, Generation Z’s consideration of alternative pathways to education and employment could offer a range of benefits, allowing them to develop valuable skills, avoid unnecessary debt, and pursue their goals with greater clarity.