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REVIEW PAPER
Generation Alpha – the new career generation in the age of AI
Klaudia Romek 1
,
 
Anna Kowalczyk-Kroenke 2
 
 
 
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1
Doctoral School of Social Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Poland
 
2
University of Lomza, Poland
 
 
Online publication date: 2025-12-30
 
 
Publication date: 2025-12-30
 
 
NSZ 2025;20(4):57-72
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37055/nsz/217074
 
 
KEYWORDS
artificial intelligence
career
generation Z
generation alpha
career development
 
ABSTRACT
Research objectives and hypothesis/research questions:
The aim of this article is to systematize knowledge about Generation Alpha in the context of shaping the professional careers of the youngest generation in the age of artificial intelligence. An attempt is made to identify areas for future research. The article is of a theoretical and cognitive nature.

Research methods:
Narrative literature review.

Main results:
The specifics of shaping the careers of the youngest generations are gaining in appeal, remaining a highly relevant area of research. The labor market is changing rapidly, raising questions about what model and format of career development will be most desirable in the future among representatives of the younger generations, who will undoubtedly redefine the functioning of today’s organizations. Dominated by technology, they are often deprived of deeper relationships with their peers, yet simultaneously seek empathy and understanding. In what roles will they feel fulfilled and happy? Will artificial intelligence enable professional and personal development in the way we think of it today? Will it become a limitation and barrier to developing the competencies it could replace? Today, many questions remain unanswered, and the scope for research remains essentially limitless. Based on initial studies of this generation one can only assume how much the career landscape of future generations will change, with their approach to the essence of work differing from that of Generation X or Y employees. Autonomy, independence, a strong identification with technology, and the need for change will result in expectations and needs reshaping the professional and organizational landscape, redefining previously prevailing career patterns and schemes.

Implications for theory and practice:
Generation Alpha faces a paradox: the same technological advancements that create global career opportunities also pose significant challenges. Their future careers will be shaped by these emerging technologies, highlighting the need to develop both technical skills and human competencies. Mastering this combination will be essential for successfully navigating an increasingly complex, fast-evolving, and project-based labor market (Uhrig, 2021; World Economic Forum, 2025).
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