Generation Z’s Work Readiness in the Digital Era: Exploring the Role of Internship Experience and Digital Literacy, with Psychological Capital as a Mediator

Abstract

Generation Z (Gen Z) is the newest demographic group that is currently entering the workforce. Although Gen Z grew up in a technological environment and is considered digitally proficient, their work readiness is questionable. This study aims to analyze the role of internship experience and digital literacy mediated by psychological capital. This study uses a quantitative approach with a purposive sampling technique. The population in this study were college graduates who had worked for at least three years and the number of research samples was 250 people. The data collection method was carried out through Google Form and distributed through alumni WhatsApp groups from several universities. The results of this study indicate that both internship experience and digital literacy have a positive and significant influence on work readiness mediated by psychological capital. Although research on work readiness has been widely conducted, the novelty of this study is how to place the psychological capital mediator as an internal psychological factor that can be developed. The results of this study are expected to provide more targeted recommendations to improve Gen Z's readiness amidst the needs and complexities of work in the digital era.