Career Confidence in Crisis: New Report from Big Brothers Big Sisters Shows Gen Zers Lack Critical Mentorship

New Harris Poll survey reports young adults feel isolated, lack confidence and hesitate to seek advice while navigating today's job market

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no surprise Gen Zers confronting a job market defined by rising costs and fierce competition are facing overwhelming uncertainty. But new findings released today from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) reveal a stunning truth: nearly three-in-four young people (74%) lack access to this critical resource that could transform their career confidence: mentorship.

Findings from its 2025 Youth Mentorship Access Report±, conducted by The Harris Poll, expose a career confidence crisis among 18- to 25-year-olds. One-in-three report frequent or constant uncertainty about their future jobs, citing not just a lack of opportunities, but also concerns about mental health, work-life balance, and being able to make ends meet.

"Despite having the highest educational achievement rates in history, our youth are facing a confidence crisis," said Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer, The Harris Poll. "This isn't about work ethic – it's about a generation that needs guidance."

Only 41% of young people feel highly confident navigating today's job market, a number that plummets when mentorship is missing. Many don't know where to turn for guidance, feel uncomfortable reaching out, or fear they'll just be a burden to busy adults. This lack of access to mentorship is one of the top factors limiting young people's confidence in their career paths – second only to financial instability.

"Today's young people are facing a job market unlike any other generation," said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "These findings confirm what we already know: mentorship isn't optional – it's essential. Research shows that a single meaningful conversation can change the course of a young person's life, serving as a bridge between where our youth are and where they have the potential to go. We must act now to ensure every young person has access to the mentorship they deserve."

The report highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship:

• 84% say mentorship opens doors to possibilities they never would have seen on their own
• 83% agree a mentor bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world success
• 81% feel more confident making decisions about school, work, and life thanks to mentorship
• 65% have had a conversation with an adult outside their family that changed their career direction

Young people aren't just seeking career advice or for older adults to solve their problems for them. They are hungry for authentic, in-person connections with adults who can guide them on everything from financial planning to life skills. When asked what really matters in a mentor, it was the soft "durable" skills like honesty, communication, and empathy that topped the list – outranking even professional success or industry expertise.

"Mentorship rooted in durable and soft skills is a true game-changer," said Ginneh Baugh, Chief Impact Officer at BBBSA. "When young people have mentors who model durable skills like empathy, honesty, communication, and resilience, they gain the confidence to overcome challenges and thrive – not just in their careers, but in every aspect of their lives."

BBBSA is calling on communities, businesses, and leaders nationwide to address the career confidence crisis by helping to close the mentorship gap. The time for action is now because every young person deserves a champion in their corner. To learn more or get involved, visit www.bbbs.org.

±Conducted by The Harris Poll, May 2-16, 2025, among 1,049 U.S. adults aged 18-25, designed with the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Youth Council.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA)
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters' evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: bbbs.org.

About the Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., tracking public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963. Now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, we provide market intelligence that helps businesses and policymakers make informed decisions. To learn more, visit https://theharrispoll.com.

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of America