As Baby Boomers and Gen X workers head toward retirement, Millennials dominate the American workforce, but Gen Z is moving in fast and together they will soon be the majority in the workplace. In fact, Gen Z is set to make up a whopping 30% of the workforce by 2030. Both these generations have priorities and bring new expectations to an ever-evolving workplace. Where will they find rewarding careers that meet those expectations? The insurance industry could be the answer.
What does today’s workforce want?
According to a 2025 Handshake Network Trends report, the most important priorities include the following for each generation:
Gen Z Priorities
- Job stability and financial security
- Skill development opportunities
- Flexible work schedules with in-person collaboration options
- Sustainable work-life balance
- Value-driven organizational purpose
- Competitive pay with salary transparency
Millennial Priorities
- Purpose-driven roles aligning with personal values
- Clear job expectations and growth paths
- Fair compensation structures
- Work-life balance maintenance
Key difference: Prefer minimal office time compared to other generations
Key Insight: Both generations prioritize purpose, fairness, and work-life balance, but Millennials show the strongest preference for remote/hybrid work arrangements.
The Insurance Industry's Appeal to Younger Workers
Once upon a time, the insurance industry was just something your Dad did. But awareness of opportunities in the insurance industry is growing as colleges and universities offer both minor and major degrees in risk management. Add to that an increase in internship programs and other early career initiatives across the industry, younger workers have many opportunities to jump into an insurance career. More and more, today’s young workers are finding that the industry delivers on many of the priorities they have in a career choice, including stability, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
At a recent Insurance Insider US conference attended by the Venbrook team, Gen Z workers already in the industry offered comments about what they’re finding in their career choices.
Conference panelists emphasized three key benefits:
- Office-based collaboration with team-oriented environments
- Structured career development through mentorship programs and progress tracking
- Skill-building initiatives via formal training curricula
Many described insurance as an unexpectedly rewarding field offering:
- Competitive compensation packages
- Purpose-driven work with societal impact
- Opportunities to lead innovative projects
A Modern Approach to the Job Search
Panelists shared the different ways they searched for and found their jobs. Overwhelmingly, social media is the first tool in their box when searching for a job. Most often, entry into the industry came from the following:
- Digital-first approach: 72% credited social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok) for job discovery
- Network reliance: The use of online research and mutual professional connections helped secure roles
- Education shifts: Universities increasingly offer insurance-specific degrees
Key Insight: While formal education programs are growing, social platforms and digital networking remain the primary gateway for younger talent entering insurance.
If you’re a young worker or just starting your career search and if you think insurance is a path for you, we invite you to get in touch with Venbrook’s HR department and schedule an interview today.
