Abstract:
The research topic examines the influence of internship and learning environment
on work readiness among Gen Z who are starting to enter labor market with
adaptability as a mediating variable. The concern about high unemployment rate in
Indonesia is still high especially among Gen Z that mostly has a lack of work
readiness, which limiting their competitiveness in the labor market. The goal of this
research is to determine how internship and supportive learning environment can
improve work readiness by encouraging adaptability, allowing individuals to better
respond to professional workforce. Quantitative research is used in this study to
gather respondents’ data and information and distribute the questionnaire using G-
form via online. Data was collected from respondents consisting of 82%
undergraduate students and 18% high school students with internship experience.
The data is processed using SmartPLS 4 to analyze. The results show that internship
positively influences both work readiness and adaptability. However, the learning
environment has an indirect influence on work readiness through adaptability as
interveing component. In accordance with the findings, internship plays an
important role in Gen Z’s preparation to the workforce since it gives practical
experience and helps to improve adaptability abilities. Furthermore, learning
environments have been shown to contribute to this process by encouraging
adaptability which improves work readiness. These insights could assist
educational institutions and organizations foster Gen Z’s transition into the labor
market.
