New Study Reveals Gen Z Is Struggling with Career Confidence Due to Lack of Mentorship

New Harris Poll Report Reveals Young Adults Feel Isolated and Underequipped to Navigate Today’s Job Market

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new report from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) reveals a growing crisis in career confidence among Gen Z. According to a recent Harris Poll survey, 74% of young adults aged 18–25 lack access to mentorship, a resource proven to significantly improve confidence and career outcomes.

The 2025 Youth Mentorship Access Report, conducted by The Harris Poll, shows that one in three young adults experience ongoing uncertainty about their future careers. Beyond limited job opportunities, they cite challenges such as mental health pressures, work–life balance concerns, and financial instability.

“Despite being the most educated generation in history, young people today are struggling with confidence,” said Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll. “This isn’t a matter of work ethic — they need guidance and support.”

Only 41% of respondents feel highly confident in navigating the job market, a number that drops sharply when mentorship is absent. Many young people report feeling uncomfortable asking for help, unsure where to find guidance, or worried about burdening busy adults. The lack of mentorship now ranks as one of the top barriers to career confidence, second only to financial instability.

“Today’s job market presents unprecedented challenges for young people,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Mentorship is not optional — it is essential. Even a single meaningful conversation can shift a young person’s direction and unlock their potential.”

Key Findings on the Power of Mentorship

• 84% say mentorship exposes them to opportunities they wouldn’t have discovered alone
• 83% believe mentors help connect academic learning to real-world success
• 81% feel more confident making decisions about school, work, and life when they have a mentor
• 65% say an adult outside their family has influenced their career path

Young adults aren’t just seeking job advice — they want authentic, in-person relationships with mentors who can guide them with practical life skills, financial planning, and career clarity. When asked what matters most in a mentor, young people prioritized soft “durable” skills like honesty, communication, empathy, and resilience over professional titles or industry expertise.

“Mentorship rooted in empathy and communication is transformative,” said Ginneh Baugh, Chief Impact Officer at BBBSA. “When mentors model these durable skills, young people gain the confidence to face challenges and thrive in every area of life.”

BBBSA is calling on companies, community organizations, and national leaders to help close the mentorship gap and address the growing confidence crisis. Every young person deserves a mentor who champions their potential. To learn more or get involved, visit www.bbbs.org.

About the Survey
The Harris Poll conducted the survey from May 2–16, 2025, among 1,049 U.S. adults ages 18–25, in collaboration with the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Youth Council.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA)
Established in 1904, BBBSA is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the U.S., supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that foster educational success, healthy behaviors, confidence, and positive relationships. The organization serves more than 5,000 communities nationwide. More information is available at bbbs.org.

About The Harris Poll
Founded in 1963, The Harris Poll is one of the nation’s longest-running public opinion and market research organizations, providing insights that help businesses and policymakers make informed decisions. Learn more at theharrispoll.com.