Fox News’ Dana Perino’s advice for Gen Z graduates: Stop waiting for the perfect job and just start working

Fortune

by Preston Fore

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dana Perino, former press secretary and co-host of Fox News’ *The Five*, offers a blunt yet practical message to Gen Z graduates navigating one of the toughest job markets in recent history: stop waiting for the perfect job and just start working. With entry-level roles disappearing due to AI-driven cost-cutting, many young professionals are left feeling stuck as they apply for hundreds of positions without success. Perino, who herself took a non-linear career path—from journalism to Capitol Hill work, public relations, and even college radio—advocates for embracing opportunities rather than overplanning. She emphasizes that waiting for the "perfect" role can lead to stagnation, urging graduates to take any job they can and use it as a stepping stone. Perino’s advice is rooted in her own experience of shifting career focus from trying to balance passion and pay to realizing that opportunities often emerge when least expected. Early skepticism about the notion of passion leading to financial success eventually gave way to understanding its value, especially after being advised to "pick one thing you love and do it." This mindset helped her build a successful career, and she applies similar logic to today’s young workers. She warns against the trap of waiting for ideal conditions, highlighting that networking—done correctly—is key to unlocking opportunities. Even in roles like bartending or entry-level positions, curiosity and proactive engagement can lead to meaningful connections. Networking, according to Perino, requires intentionality and follow-through. Young professionals should seek out stories from colleagues, mentors, or acquaintances, and maintain these relationships through occasional check-ins. This approach not only fosters long-term opportunities but also counters the isolation many Gen Z workers feel when trying to connect with older generations. A 2024 LinkedIn survey revealed that one in five Gen Z workers hasn’t had a direct conversation with someone over 50 in their workplace, often due to generational confidence gaps. Ultimately, Perino’s message is about taking initiative and embracing the unpredictable nature of career growth. By starting anywhere and building connections, young professionals can create a foundation for future opportunities. This approach isn’t just practical—it’s essential for thriving in today’s fast-evolving job market, where adaptability and resilience are key. For business readers, this highlights the importance of fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages continuous learning.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/15/2026