If you’re waiting around for the “perfect time” to learn a new skill… Gen Z already watched three tutorials and built a side hustle 😅 According to a new report, 66% of Gen Z’ers are teaching themselves new job skills online — using platforms like YouTube and even TikTok.
We’re talking about legit, career-building skills like:
💻 Coding
🤖 A.I. tools
📊 Spreadsheets & data
📈 Financial models
🎨 Graphic design
And they’re not paying thousands for a formal class to do it.
💸 Cheaper. Faster. On-Demand.
Why go the DIY route?
✔️ It’s way cheaper than accredited courses
✔️ It’s convenient
✔️ You can learn at your own pace
✔️ No student loan stress
And here’s the part that might surprise you…
71% of hiring managers say skills learned through informal online platforms ARE credible.
So yes — that YouTube rabbit hole might actually count as professional development.
🧐 But Can Employers Verify It?
Some companies admit it’s harder to verify self-taught skills compared to a formal certificate or degree.
But if you can prove what you know?
18% of hiring managers say self-taught candidates actually stand out MORE.
In other words — show your work. Build the portfolio. Demonstrate the skill. That matters.
👶 Who’s Leading the Trend?
Not surprisingly, younger adults are way ahead here:
📱 66% of Gen Z
💼 50% of Millennials
🗂️ 35% of Gen X
📞 20% of Boomers
Men (53%) are also more likely than women (40%) to list self-taught skills on their résumés.
Bottom line?
The job market isn’t slowing down. And Gen Z isn’t waiting around for permission to level up.
They’re opening a new tab and figuring it out themselves. 💪✨
