Nearly three-quarters of young adults lack access to mentorship that could boost their career confidence, according to a new report highlighting widespread uncertainty among Generation Z job seekers.
The survey of 1,049 Americans aged 18 to 25, conducted by The Harris Poll for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, found that 74 per cent of respondents lack access to mentorship. One-third report frequent or constant uncertainty about their future jobs, citing concerns about mental health, work-life balance and financial stability.
Only 41 per cent of young people feel highly confident navigating today’s job market, a number that drops significantly when mentorship is absent, according to the organization’s 2025 Youth Mentorship Access Report.
“Despite having the highest educational achievement rates in history, our youth are facing a confidence crisis,” said Libby Rodney, Chief Strategy Officer at The Harris Poll. “This isn’t about work ethic – it’s about a generation that needs guidance.”
Mentorship access creates confidence gap
Many young adults don’t know where to seek guidance, feel uncomfortable reaching out, or fear becoming a burden to busy adults, the report found. The lack of mentorship access ranks as one of the top factors limiting career confidence, 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.”
Young adults seek authentic connections
The report highlights significant benefits for those with mentorship access. Among respondents, 84 per cent said mentorship opens doors to previously unseen possibilities, while 83 per cent agreed mentors bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world success.
Additionally, 81 per cent feel more confident making decisions about school, work and life thanks to mentorship, and 65 per cent have had career-changing conversations with adults outside their family, according to the survey.
Young adults prioritize soft skills in mentors over professional credentials. They value honesty, communication and empathy more than professional success or industry expertise, the report found.
Organizations call for mentorship expansion
“Mentorship rooted in durable and soft skills is a true game-changer,” said Ginneh Baugh, Chief Impact Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “When young people have mentors who model durable skills like empathy, honesty, communication, and resilience, they gain the confidence to overcome challenges and thrive.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is calling on communities, businesses and leaders to address the career confidence crisis by expanding mentorship access. The organization serves more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states.
The Harris Poll conducted the survey from May 2-16, 2025, in partnership with the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Youth Council.
