Gen Z puts human skills ahead of AI for career success

Professional networks and leadership experience rank ahead of AI skills as drivers of long-term career success among US Gen Z knowledge workers.

The survey of 1,022 US Gen Z knowledge workers, commissioned by employment company Pebl, ranked professional networks and leadership experience ahead of AI skills: 28% selected building a strong professional network as the most valuable factor for long-term career success, followed by leadership and management experience at 26%. Developing AI skills ranked lowest, selected by 11%.

International experience featured prominently: 73% said working internationally would broaden their perspective, 71% said it would make them better leaders and 68% said it would strengthen their problem-solving abilities.

Some 69% described working with colleagues from different countries and cultures as career-defining and a major advantage. 41% envisaged careers spanning two or three countries or markets.

Some 78% said AI would make human experiences such as working across cultures and countries more valuable.

Gen Z respondents also placed expectations on employers' use of the technology: 88% would be more likely to work for a company demonstrating an ethical understanding of AI's impact on people and communities.

'Gen Z is not just more open to international careers, they increasingly see global experience as essential to becoming stronger leaders,' said Françoise Brougher, chief executive of Pebl.

The online survey was conducted between 6 and 16 July 2026 with 1,022 US Gen Z knowledge workers.