Many Gen Z high school graduates say they were not prepared for the realities of the real world — and new research supports their concern. We basically wanted to know if they feel prepared for adulthood after high school, and whether they are thriving.” Well-Prepared High School GradsW ell-prepared high school graduates are more than their transcripts or resumes, says Stephanie Simpson, chief executive of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). These are exactly the areas where students build the confidence and capabilities they need to succeed well beyond high school. Nearly two-thirds of employers say there is a mismatch between the skills they are looking for and the skills job seekers possess.