The next hot jobs for Gen Z: Why big tech is losing its shine

Hey team,

Welcome to this edition of Tech Creator, where we dive into the trends and technologies shaping the future. This week, we’re exploring two major shifts that are redefining our landscape…

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The next hot jobs for Gen Z: Why big tech is losing its shine

Founders, take note: the next generation is shifting gears. The National Society of High School Scholars just dropped its latest list of dream employers, and it’s a whole new ballgame. Google, Amazon, and Tesla are slipping. Google’s now No. 7, Amazon’s No. 8, and Tesla’s nosedived to No. 33. Instagram and Facebook are barely hanging on. What’s going on?

Job stability is the new cool. With Silicon Valley layoffs making headlines, Gen Z is looking for secure gigs. A Handshake survey shows a 19% drop in tech job applications since 2022. These kids are prioritizing steady paychecks over flashy perks.

Reputation matters: Gen Z wants to work for companies that treat their people right. The tech industry’s brutal layoffs have hurt its image. Social media is full of horror stories, and Gen Z is taking note. They’re seeking employers who value their workforce.

Tech’s tarnished image: The once-heroic image of tech is fading. Misinformation, hate speech, digital addiction – these issues are turning Gen Z away. Many now see AI as a societal threat rather than a boon.

New players rising…

So, who’s capturing Gen Z’s attention? Healthcare and government.

• Healthcare: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital tops the list, followed by the Mayo Clinic and the CDC. The pandemic has made healthcare a hot choice.

• Government: Agencies like the FBI, NASA, and the CDC are climbing the ranks. They offer stability and purpose, which Gen Z craves.

Entrepreneurial spirit: Many Gen Zers aren’t looking for traditional jobs at all. Three-quarters of them want to start their own businesses. They’re using entry-level jobs as safety nets while building their ventures. They aim to be their own bosses, not climb corporate ladders.

What this means for founders: Big Tech’s falling favor is a wake-up call. To attract top talent, focus on stability, ethics, and positive impact. This shift is a golden opportunity for other sectors to shine. Healthcare, government, and entrepreneurship are the future. Adapt now, and you might just win back the hearts of the next generation.

Why spatial intelligence is the next big thing for VCs

Picture this: robots that don't just perform tasks, but truly understand and navigate the human world. This isn't sci-fi—it's the promise of spatial intelligence, the latest AI innovation capturing the attention of venture capital giants like Khosla Ventures and a16z. These VCs are betting big on this technology, and here’s why it’s set to revolutionize the industry.

Why spatial intelligence is a game-changer: Spatial intelligence is what sets the next generation of robots apart. It allows machines to navigate and interact with their surroundings with human-like precision and adaptability. Think beyond the clunky, task-specific robots of the past. Imagine instructing a robot in plain language to screw a lid on a jar, and it learns how to do it by observing humans or watching videos. This kind of adaptability is transforming how we think about robots.

The big hurdles: Despite its potential, the journey to spatial intelligence isn't without challenges. The biggest obstacle? Data. Unlike text-based AI models that feast on abundant internet data, spatial intelligence needs real-world data, which is much harder to come by. Erin Price-Wright from a16z highlights that the largest datasets for robotics are minuscule compared to those available for language models.

Innovative solutions: Startups are tackling this data challenge head-on with creative strategies. Khosla Ventures’ Kanu Gulati points out that some companies are deploying swarms of robots to collect real-world data efficiently. This not only gathers the necessary information but also accelerates the creation of comprehensive AI models.

Major investments and cutting-edge innovations: The robotics sector is buzzing with investment. Early-stage and growth-stage robotics startups have already secured over $4.2 billion this year. Notable examples include Waabi, which is advancing autonomous trucking, and Vayu, which is developing last-mile delivery bots for bike lanes. Climate-tech startup Zordi is innovating with autonomous greenhouses, while FieldAI is offering versatile software for various types of robots.

Big tech jumps in: Big tech is also eyeing the potential of spatial intelligence. OpenAI is restarting its robotics research division, and platforms like Hugging Face are launching new robotics initiatives. Heavy hitters like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos are backing companies like Figure, which raised $675 million to develop general-purpose robots.

The new frontier: PHYSICAL INTELLIGENCE…

Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, recently highlighted the importance of AI that understands physical laws at the Computex conference. The future of AI isn't just about processing data—it’s about interacting with the physical world in meaningful ways. This shift towards physical intelligence is set to redefine the robotics landscape.

What this means for founders: For tech founders, the rise of spatial intelligence is a golden opportunity. Investing in this technology today could position your startup at the cutting edge of the next AI revolution. The race is on, and those who crack the data challenge will lead the industry. Get ready to build a future where robots are not just smart, but truly spatially aware.