Gen Z workers prioritise global careers over US jobs

Pebl has published survey findings on how U.S. Gen Z workers view global careers and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The results are based on responses from 1,022 Gen Z knowledge workers in the United States.

The survey found that 82% of respondents already see themselves as part of an international workforce rather than one limited to the U.S. More than half, 53%, said they would choose the world's best company over the best company in America if salary, title, benefits and job location were equal.

That outlook extended to career ambitions. Some 54% said achieving the American Dream means pursuing the best career opportunity wherever it exists, not only in the United States.

Nearly 69% viewed working with colleagues from different countries and cultures as career-defining and a major advantage. Another 73% said international experience would broaden their perspective, while 71% said it would make them better leaders and 68% said it would improve their problem-solving.

A sizeable share also imagined a more mobile career path. The findings show that 41% expect to work across two or three countries or markets during their careers.

Global ambition

Interest in overseas work opportunities appeared strong. Nearly 64% said they would be very or extremely interested in temporary work opportunities in another country, and 59% said a lack of international opportunities could affect whether they accept a job offer.

Only 6% said they do not need or value global career opportunities or experience. The figures suggest overseas exposure is becoming a mainstream expectation among younger workers, alongside pay, benefits and flexibility.

Francoise Brougher, Chief Executive Officer of Pebl, said the survey pointed to a shift in how younger workers define opportunity.

"After more than a decade working across 185+ countries, we're seeing a clear shift in how young people define opportunity," said Brougher. "Gen Z is not just more open to international careers-they increasingly see global experience as essential to becoming stronger leaders. If companies want globally minded leaders tomorrow, they need to start creating globally minded careers today."

Employer gap

The findings also indicate dissatisfaction with how established employers are responding. Only 19% of respondents gave Corporate America an "A" for preparing young professionals to succeed in a global career.

Women were more critical than men. Some 21% of women gave U.S. employers a poor or failing grade, compared with 11% of men.

Respondents were also more than twice as likely to say universities and study abroad programmes offered the greatest opportunity for international exposure as Corporate America. Some 31% selected universities and study abroad programmes, compared with 15% who chose Corporate America.

The results suggest employers may face pressure to broaden career structures if they want to attract younger workers who value overseas experience and cross-border collaboration.

AI expectations

The survey also examined attitudes to artificial intelligence in the workplace. Although AI has become a major focus for employers, respondents placed greater value on human skills and relationships.

Building a strong professional network ranked as the most valuable driver of long-term career success at 28%, followed by leadership and management experience at 26%. Developing AI skills ranked last among the listed priorities, with 11% choosing it as the most important.

Even so, respondents did not dismiss the technology. Some 78% believe AI will make distinctly human experiences, such as working across cultures and countries, more valuable.

Ethical concerns were also prominent. Some 88% said they would be more likely to work for a company that demonstrates an ethical understanding of AI's impact on people and communities.

That figure is higher than the 65% cited in the topline summary accompanying the survey material, but both point to the same broad pattern: younger workers are paying attention not just to whether employers use AI, but how they use it and what effect it may have beyond the workplace.

Unexpected result

One of the more unusual findings concerned attitudes to work beyond Earth. Five per cent of younger Gen Z respondents said they would like to gain work experience in outer space, with the response appearing more common among those in construction and hospitality roles.

The survey was conducted online by Researchscape on behalf of Pebl, and the responses were not weighted. The sample covered 1,022 U.S. Gen Z knowledge workers.

Taken together, the figures present a picture of a generation that views career progress through an international lens, expects employers to show judgment in their use of AI, and gives low marks to many existing institutions for helping them build that future.