Gen Z at Work: Why the Entry-Level System Is Broken and Who Gets Hurt w/ Hazel Hua Ep 32

In this episode of Innotainment, Aga Gajownik sits down with Hazel Hua, a recent graduate, community builder and multi hyphenate young professional to explore what the job market actually looks like from the candidate's side.   Following the inclusive hiring conversation with Cara Norkett, Aga wanted to hear from someone living the experience right now. Hazel brings a sharp, honest perspective on what it takes to break into the workforce in 2025: the internship wars, the AI-shaped landscape, the five-round interview gauntlets and the deeper questions that ambitious young professionals are asking themselves before they even apply. Together, they unpack the gap between what organisations think motivates young talent and what actually keeps them engaged, why the prefrontal cortex matters more than most managers realise, and what both sides of the hiring table can do to make early careers less of a survival sport and more of a genuine starting point. Topics include: The "internship wars": why graduates are racking up five or six internships just to stay competitive How AI is eliminating entry-level roles and creating a catch-22 loop for young job seekers What Gen Z actually looks for in a role beyond salary The neuroscience of the early twenties, where the brain is still developing and what that means for careers Neuroplasticity, the Odyssey Years, and why your twenties are for building paths, not finding the perfect one What organisations get wrong about motivating young talent One piece of advice from each side of the table This episode is especially relevant for early career professionals navigating a competitive and fast-changing job market, managers and leaders working with Gen Z colleagues and graduates, founders and HR professionals designing graduate programmes or early career pathways, and anyone interested in brain-friendly approaches to talent development and retention.   This is Season 2 of the Innotainment Podcast, now continuing as Brain Friendly Systems with Aga Gajownik.   🔗 Links mentioned in this episode Hazel Hua - LinkedIn Singapore Health Connect - Community for healthcare, biotech and medtech professionals in Singapore ⁠Innotainment podcast⁠ - ⁠Q&A / Office Hours Submission Form⁠ : Submit questions for future episodes Follow Innotainment Podcast and Aga Gajownik on Instagram ⁠@innotainment_podcast,⁠  ⁠@myquirkyadhdbrain