Tens of millions of Generation Z graduates believe they have received the worst deal in the job market:ghostingis prevalent in hiring, entry-level positions are hard to find, and forecasts of anAI job apocalypseare making everything worse. Yet Arvind Jain, formerGoogleAn engineer and co-founder of Rubrik states that he is encountering the opposite issue.
"Students believe it's difficult to find jobs, but we find it challenging to locate them," he stated.. And it's not because applications aren't being submitted.
In reality, Jain mentioned that his $7.2 billion AI company, Glean, is getting thousands of job applications daily. The top factor that distinguishes the few who receive a response is not a degree, a set of skills, or even an outstanding resume—but rather a solid work ethic.
"I strongly believe that dedication can overcome any challenge," Jain stated. "For me, the measure is when I'm part of a team, I aim to be recognized as the individual who contributes the most." This, he explained, is the trait that distinguishes the applicants his team relentlessly pursues from those whose applications are never considered again.
The sole problem is that individuals with that level of determination are highly sought after.
"If you put in the effort, you'll consistently have many opportunities. Every company would like to collaborate with you." The most successful individuals he interacts with are being sought after by five companies at the same time. The issue isn't a lack of candidates. It's a lack of those who are genuinely dedicated.
It's directly taken from the approach of Goldman Sachs' CEO: the more effort you put in, the greater the opportunities you generate for yourself.
Executive leaders often state that the key to achievement is not a single fortunate event or an impressive connection, but rather relentless effort.
Goldman Sachs' CEO, David Solomon, held two part-time positions during his teenage years: one at Baskin-Robbins and another working the grill at McDonald's. He managed these responsibilities along with three sports and his studies. Even today, as he leads the $291 billion investment bank, the CEO makes time to work as a DJ in his spare time.
He recently addressed Generation Z graduatesthat his father instilled that work ethic in him—and it was a lesson he was eager to share with the class of 2026 as they step into one of the toughest job markets ever.
Similarly, Khozema Shipchandler, CEO of the $30 billion cloud communication platformTwilio, previously attributed his career success to working from 4:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily, even during his time in college.
At the age of 31, Shipchandler had already become the CFO of a multi-billion-dollar GE division—andhe told that there was a clear link between the time he dedicated to his job. "If you were ready to put in the work, they were ready to offer you the chance," he stated. "So I received many opportunities there."
"If you aim to work from eight to five, coach your children's sports teams, have evenings for yourself, and perhaps pursue another hobby or interest, that's great," Shipchandler said—but he notes that he has "never spoken to a colleague" who doesn't maintain a similar rigorous schedule.
NBA champion Metta World Peace, formerly named Ron Artest, clearly explained why working more hours than the person beside you is the most dependable method to move forward.
World Peace arrived at the gym at 8 a.m.—which he thought was early—only to discover Bryant already cleaned up and heading out. "He was all showered. He was finished," World Peace said.told ."And I thought I was working hard." The following day, he returned at 5:30 a.m. to get a direct view of just how much Bryant was willing to do to become one of basketball's top players.
The main point is that exceptional performance is subjective. Regardless of how early you begin or how many hours you dedicate, there will always be someone who is prepared to put in even more effort.
Or as World Peace stated: "There's always someone out there putting in more effort."
Another way Gen Z can differentiate themselves in the current job market is by acquiring knowledge in AI.
Jain does not ignore the structural obstacles that young people encounter when looking for jobs today. In the U.K. alone, more than1.2 million applications were submitted for less than 17,000 graduate positions in the previous year. In contrast, Americans state that the likelihood of securing a job at this time hashit a record low. A graduate holding a mathematics degreeinvested more than a year submitting applications for over 1,000 positions in the U.K. but received no offers, subsequently shifting his job search to Austria.
As artificial intelligence and automation take over numerous entry-level positions, the rivalry for the remaining jobs is becoming increasingly intense.
As artificial intelligence and automation take over numerous entry-level positions, the competition for remaining jobs is becoming increasingly intense. Positions are so highly sought after that at Glean, the team can only review approximately one-fifth of the applications they receive. "We're waiting for people to apply on our website," Jain stated. "We don't have the resources to seek them out." This means the responsibility lies heavily with the candidate to stand out and be unforgettable.
What is his most specific guidance? Learn about AI—and do it immediately.
This is the moment of opportunity," he stated. "You have this incredible tool, and it enables you to accomplish numerous exciting tasks." According to him, a candidate who has truly adopted AI can work ten times faster than someone who hasn't—and this difference will continue to grow. "If you've become proficient with these tools, you can develop remarkable software, systems, applications, images, and videos. Demonstrate your creativity through them.
The positive aspect, he mentions, is that beginning is simpler than many believe.
Artificial intelligence isn't complicated. There's no need to spend 10 hours on a course. Simply access one of these AI tools—whether it's Gemini, ChatGPT, or any other—and interact with them as you would with a coworker. Request assistance from them." This guidance is relevant across any industry or role. "You can become a modern-day marketer or legal assistant if you fully adopt AI.
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