SideShift: Revolutionizing the Gen Z Job Market
Written By Hana Razvi
In an age where finding part time opportunities can be challenging to full time students, Sideshift emerges as a fresh and friendly approach to connecting businesses with talent. The start-up redefines how local job opportunities are found and fulfilled. Established in the fall of 2023 by UW-Madison alums Nick Lawton and Canyon Pergande, the company is dedicated to supporting small businesses and local establishments while providing Gen Z college students with meaningful work experiences.
The two sparked the idea after Pergande noticed that the college bar he worked at his senior year was still utilizing outdated methods to hire. Everything from paper applications to platforms such as Indeed and the university’s job site became super inadequate and no longer a viable option, Pergande said.
“Our core thesis at the end of the day is putting a couple extra dollars in Gen Z’s pocket,” said Lawton and Pergande.
SideShift is not just another part-time job board; it’s a catalyst for nurturing the future of local economies. The platform
provides a single application that allows students to apply for multiple jobs with just one click. Dierre Johnson, SideShift’s Head of Growth says the company sets itself apart by leveraging the power of social media and content-driven job listing. Recognizing that Gen-Z perfers engaging formats like short videos and images, the platform allows business to create visually appealing postings. This holistic approach to profiles helps businesses find the right candidates, even if they lack extensive work experience.
“Instead of relying on traditional resumes, we encourage students to present themselves through photos and videos that reflect their personalities and skills.” -Dierre Johnson
Although SideShift was launched just over a year ago, its founders have made the most of various opportunities available to student entrepreneurs. Looking ahead, the platform is focusing on expanding their reach across multiple college campuses throughout the Big 10. The company recently hired its first AI learning engineer to implement streamline processes for both businesses and job seekers. By targeting the college market, SideShift is establishing a strong foothold in a space that is crucial for both students and local businesses.
Enhancing their user experience is a priority, ensuring that students receive job listings that align with their interests and level of experience. Ultimately, SideShift aims to connect students with meaningful employment opportunities that will benefit them both during and after their college journey.
