ACT CEO Janet Godwin Advocates Against Job-Hopping for Generation Z

Janet Godwin, the CEO of the college-readiness test company ACT, has spent her entire 35-year career at the same organization. She believes that the trend of job-hopping among Generation Z could be detrimental to their long-term success. Godwin, who joined ACT in 1990 and was named CEO in 2020, is part of a select group of leaders who have dedicated their careers to a single company, much like General Motors’ Mary Barra and Walmart’s Doug McMillon.

Godwin's journey began when she joined ACT to help write test questions. Over the years, she took on various roles within the company, gaining experience in nearly every department. This diverse experience proved invaluable when she was appointed CEO during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the company faced significant challenges due to the closure of testing centers.

Godwin's advice to young professionals is to focus on their current roles rather than constantly looking for the next opportunity. She recalls her boss's advice: "If you’re so busy thinking about what you’re going to do next, I guarantee you you’re not putting enough energy and time into what you’re doing today." She believes that maturing in one's current job and building the necessary skills is crucial before moving on to the next role.

This perspective is shared by other chief executives. Sarah Walker, Cisco’s U.K. CEO, advises young people to be patient in their career journey, while Walmart’s Doug McMillon emphasizes the importance of excelling in one's current job to secure future opportunities. Godwin agrees, stating that being curious and seeking out new challenges within one's current role is more beneficial than trying to map out a future career path at a young age.

Godwin's experience at ACT has taught her the value of asking questions and being open to learning new things. She believes that strong leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and seeking help when needed. Her journey serves as a reminder that dedication and continuous learning within a single organization can lead to long-term success and personal growth.