Gen Z's Resale Skills: More Valuable Than College Degrees in the Workplace

Gen Z and millennial graduates are calling their degrees worthless, while employers say they failed to prepare them for the workforce. Depop's research reveals that 71% of Gen Z sellers believe online resale has taught them more practical business knowledge than formal education. Hiring managers agree: 85% say candidates should list their resale experience on their resume, and 65% find it more impressive than traditional internships. Depop CEO Peter Semple notes that while people come to Depop for income, the professional skills they develop—pricing strategy, sales, marketing—are often overlooked. Great Place to Work CEO Michael Bush confirms the shift: 'Companies focus on skills, not degrees. What skills do you have, and what skills will be needed in the future?' Universities are criticized for not teaching basic skills like professional communication. 33% of graduates admit their degrees weren't financially worth it, delaying homeownership and retirement plans. This trend underscores the declining value of degrees and the rise of experiential learning.

Employers are increasingly valuing Gen Z's resale experience over traditional degrees, signaling a potential shift in future hiring practices and education models.