Generation Z job seekers are setting a higher bar; they want employers to be committed to change. This change comes from hiring a more diverse workforce, providing opportunities for employees of color to advance through the ranks via mentorship and educational opportunities, and facilitating opportunities for employees to participate in creating a work culture that benefits all. 

According to a survey from Glassdoor, 76 percent of employees and job seekers said a diverse workforce was important when evaluating their next employer. A report from Deloitte indicated that although salary is still the most important factor in deciding on a job, Gen Z values it less than every other generation. Gen Z values social values and commitments more than previous generations. 

A company's employer brand matters.  In order to attract a new generation of talent, companies of all sizes must demonstrate their commitment to social impact. Learning how to properly uphold your employer brand to meet the standards of a generation focused on impact can be challenging for more established brands. 63% of Gen Zers believe it is very or extremely important to work for an employer that shares their values)

Gen Z's buying power and how it connects to corporate social impact has been well documented.  If a member of Gen Z doesn't agree with the morals of a company, they’re significantly less likely to apply for employment or support the brand overall. 

It's no surprise that these values also impact a brand's ability to attract Gen-Z talent. 

There is a new way to approach brand elevation that not only builds trust with Gen Z but  further strengthens your reputation among investors, employees and potential customers.

We call it The Externship.

The Paragon One Externship explores a new category of Social Impact, which delivers multiple levels of value, across the entirety of your company. 

The Externship combines:

1) Demonstrate your company's DEI values and become the ultimate career destination for diverse Gen Z talent

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2) Up-skill and advance the careers of underserved communities through virtual work-based experiences.

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3) Engage your organization’s team in the learning experiences through intentional skills-based volunteering and mentorship.

These facets of social impact work directly towards building a stronger and more reputable brand in the eyes of Gen Z. In addition to making a brand impact, the externship equips students with industry-relevant skills, career guidance, and a professional network.

The Externship Connects You With Diverse Gen Z Students - And Connects Them To Career Opportunities 

According to Paragon One Externship reporting data, 85% of Externs (Diverse Gen-Z) plan to apply for a role at a hosting company after taking an Externship, and 63% of Externs  said they were more inspired to take action on activities that led to more inclusivity. Furthermore, 92% of our Externs in our partnership program with PwC advance their career goals through the externship, and skills-based learning opportunities are some of the highest indicators of long-term employee tenure and engagement. 

Our Paragon One Externs:

- 77% from Underserved Minority Backgrounds (95% rate for PwC, Up to 100% rate available)

- 54% Of Externs are Women (up to 100% rate available)

- 15% Of Externs Identify as LGBTQ

- 500+ Universities and Colleges Represented Among Externship Alumni

- 46% Of HBCUs have Paragon One Alumni

As the next generation of workers continues to increasingly prioritize values in deciding where to work, whether it’s a commitment to sustainability, philanthropy, or social impact, it’s important for brands to demonstrate their commitment to social impact, or they’ll fall behind. 

The Externship is the most direct way to elevate your brand and attract the most ambitious Gen Z talent. 

When your organization up-skills underserved communities, embraces diverse learners and engages its employees along the way, you're taking the next step in creating the equitable, inclusive brand Gen Z is looking for. 

Explore the Next Era of Social Impact

To discuss how your social impact priorities could be transformed through the externship, talk to us. 

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