Meet the 20-year-old CEO who started a company in high school to tackle Gen Z’s entry-level job crisis

(SeaPRwire) –   For most teenagers, earning a driver’s license at 16 marks a step toward independence—allowing them to visit friends, go to the movies, or skip the bus for school. For Connor Vukelich, however, it became the spark that launched his business.

Shortly after obtaining his license during high school, Vukelich began searching for a job alongside his peers. They all encountered similar obstacles: fierce competition from more experienced applicants, applying to positions that didn’t exist (“ghost jobs”), and enduring no-show interviews. These challenges left many young people discouraged and unable to break into the workforce.

Driven by frustration over these systemic barriers, Vukelich founded Poppin’ Jobs—a platform designed specifically for U.S. job seekers aged 16 to 24. The site now features a database of 100,000 potential candidates. Unlike traditional job boards that often prioritize seasoned professionals, Poppin’ Jobs focuses on supporting entry-level talent by offering tailored resources and guidance.

“We kept hearing from friends how hard it was to get their first job,” Vukelich recalled in an interview. “Why isn’t there a dedicated space helping Gen Z enter the workforce? It’s something we’ve never done before, and no one really taught us how.”

The entry-level job market is growing increasingly challenging. Experts warn that artificial intelligence could displace large portions of this sector within the next year or two. Microsoft AI leader Mustafa Suleyman predicts such disruption may occur in just 18 months, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei initially suggested half of entry-level white-collar roles would be affected—though he later softened his stance. A recent study from Anthropic indicates AI can already automate many routine tasks across management, finance, law, and other fields—tasks typically handled by early-career workers.

The current state of the entry-level job market

To help young job seekers overcome common hurdles—such as ghosting, unfair competition, and lack of experience—Poppin’ Jobs offers tools like resume-building assistance and an AI-powered interview coach. This support is especially valuable since hiring processes are largely unfamiliar to high school and college students. Additionally, recognizing that not all teens have access to transportation, Vukelich incorporated a local job map feature for those relying on bikes or walking.

Despite widespread concern about an impending “entry-level job apocalypse,” youth unemployment among 16- to 24-year-olds remains relatively stable. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the rate stood at 9.5% in April—slightly higher than the 8% recorded before AI entered mainstream discussions following OpenAI’s launch in late 2022. However, it has declined from a peak of 10.6% last November.

This trend also reflects changing career paths among recent graduates. A ZipRecruiter survey found that many college alumni are turning to entrepreneurship, gig work, or freelance opportunities instead of traditional entry-level roles, which are becoming harder to secure.

Now 20 years old and studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, Vukelich is focused on expanding Poppin’ Jobs by attracting more employers and local volunteer opportunities to the platform.

Aware of AI’s impact on employment, he’s actively exploring ways to teach Gen Z how to leverage these technologies. Supporting data comes from Writer, an AI startup that found employees who embrace and frequently use AI tools are more likely to receive raises than those resistant to adoption.

“Ultimately, what employers will value most are either passion or the ability to combine knowledge with AI proficiency,” Vukelich advised fellow students. “That’s the future of work.”