Jessica Dunn: Give Young People a Chance
Wit + Grit
Wednesday, 20 May 2026 - 36 minutes
At 17, Jessica Dunn was trying to find work experience in media, marketing, journalism and radio. After around 10 rejections, she was almost left spending the week in the school canteen.
In this episode, Jess shares how young people are really feeling about work, careers, AI, grades, rejection and opportunity.
It’s an honest conversation about confidence, the gap between generations, and why businesses need to do more to open doors for the next generation.
Key takeaways
* Young people are anxious about future careers.
* Rejection damages confidence earlier than we realise.
* Many students need opportunity before they have experience.
* Businesses can help through tasters, open days and placements.
* AI is both exciting and unsettling for young people.
* Grades matter, but they should not define someone’s future.
* Investing in young people benefits everyone.
Keywords
Jessica Dunn, work experience, young people, next generation, careers, employability, AI, education, confidence, Birmingham, Wit + Grit, opportunity, youth voice, placements, business responsibility, future of work, social mobility.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Work Experience
00:55 Young People's Perspectives on Careers
02:18 Challenges Faced by Young People in the Job Market
04:25 The Role of Schools and Businesses
06:25 Future Aspirations and Advice for Peers
08:44 The Impact of Social Media on Young People
10:31 Parental Influence and Support
12:11 Conclusion and Reflections on Opportunities
13:47 Navigating Parental Relationships and Social Media
14:36 The Overwhelming Nature of Current Events
15:19 The Impact of AI on Education and Careers
17:57 Balancing AI Use and Critical Thinking in Youth
24:09 The Job Market and AI's Role in Youth Employment
27:21 Parenting in the Age of AI and Education
31:38 The Importance of Grades vs. Personal Growth




