After my first year in the professional world, and having many friends who are either still students or job seeking, I’ve realized the job market isn’t what it used to be. The classic cycle of “apply, wait, interview” isn’t cutting it anymore – it can feel slow, frustrating, and sometimes like you’re going nowhere.
The Job Market Has Changed
Several factors have contributed to a changing landscape. The rise of remote work has expanded opportunities but also competition, while automation and AI are reshaping roles faster than ever. Employers are increasingly looking for adaptability, creativity, and self-starters – qualities that go beyond what a traditional job application can showcase.
Opportunity Seeking vs. Opportunity Creating
Essentially, opportunity seeking is about looking outward – you’re scanning the landscape for openings, roles, or projects that already exist and figuring out how to fit into them. It’s very reactive rather than proactive: you see something available, and you go for it.
Opportunity creating is about looking both inward and forward. It’s proactive – you identify a gap, a need, or a possibility, and you take initiative to make it happen. Instead of waiting for something to exist, you make it exist.
How you can create opportunities
This is truly where Gen Z has a unique advantage. Opportunity creation means identifying a gap or a need and taking initiative to fill it. You might:
Launch a personal project or portfolio that showcases your skills
Freelance or consult in your area of expertise
Network with industry professionals in creative ways beyond LinkedIn
Start your own small business or initiative, even while in school
Be creative on social media to get noticed by your dream brand or workplace
Platforms like TikTok have become surprisingly powerful tools for this. Students and new grads are making short, engaging videos about their work, projects, or industry insights. These videos allow them to showcase their skills, personality, and initiative in ways a resume never could – and brands are noticing. A single well-crafted (and thought out) TikTok can lead to internships, interviews, or even full-time offers, proving that creating your own spotlight can open doors traditional applications might not reach.
By creating opportunities, you’re not just building real-world experience, you’re also demonstrating initiative and problem-solving (traits that are highly valued by employers).
Final Thoughts
If you’re a student or new grad, don’t just sit back and hope the right role comes along. Obviously apply, but also think creatively about how you can make opportunities for yourself. The market has shifted, but so can we!