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| This is how we are perceived, but are they wrong? |
There has been a lot of controversy regarding the efforts of Generation Y within the professional world. It seems as if you are either on-board or you aren't. Being a part of the GenY group, I cannot help but completely campaign for the success of our generation within the corporate world. Through reading numerous articles and participating in discussions, whether it be online or in class, I have come to learn many characteristics of my generation. I think it is important for employers to understand exactly what GenY will bring to the table. I came up with a list of 10:
1. We WANT to find a job right away: I know the statistics show recent grads are bouncing around in their job search. I also have read numerous articles trying to pinpoint what the exact reasoning is for this constant search to find a professional home. Although this is different on a case-by-case basis, I can promise any employer that this is never the initial intention of any graduate. Personally, I want to commit to a career where I can flourish, but sometimes we are not dealt that opportunity immediately. Previous generations have accepted settling, but the reason we are so restless leads me to my second point....
2. We are passionate: GenY will never be the generation to end up in jobs where they feel "stuck" in the situation. We have been raised to follow our dreams and we have every intention on doing just that. Initially, we may not find that perfect job and we quit, not because we are restless, but because we want to work in an environment doing exactly what we WANT to do. I understand, every job may not be perfect, and every opportunity can open another door, but GenY is passionate about the industry they are entering and want to live the life they have imagined.
3. We are competitive: Maybe it was the way we were raised, maybe it is the economy in which we are searching for jobs, but we take no prisoners. We will fight to get that interview, we will fight to get that job, and once we land a position, we will challenge every person in that office in order to reach the top. This doesn't mean we aren't compassionate, because we understand the importance of relationships (which I will touch on later), but we will not let anyone tell us we can't accomplish something.
4. We want to keep learning: Many GenY individuals are looking for training programs in their potential careers. The corporate universities foster environments to grow and constantly learn and GenY understand the importance of staying on top of the game. Learning is not always through a textbook, but based off of experience. Failure is okay, because it is a chance to excel in the future. Relationships are also vital in the learning process. Just recently, I read a blog about a GenY individual that is meeting a new person once a week to share insight over a cup of coffee. She learns about their life experiences and discovers something new from each person. This is the type of learning that GenY craves - employers must offer that environment to keep challenging their recent GenY employees. (To read more about this blog "52 Cups of Coffee" - 52cups.tumblr.com)
5. We think long-term: Moving back in has always been a controversial topic for this generation. Are we lazy? Are we incompetent? Are we too reliant on our parents? I disagree with all of the above. We move home because the thought of racking up debt before we are twenty-four years old makes us sick. We need to figure out our lives before venturing out into this world, not because we are scared, but because we are responsible. We think long-term. One year at home is worth it, five to ten years paying off credit cards, is not worth it.
6. We are SOCIAL: We like people, we crave new relationships, we embrace networking. This relates back to the learning aspect, we understand that collaboration and conversing with others is the key to success. Many college students have searched for mentors in the professional world, maybe because it could lead to a job, but mostly because we want to hear what they have to say. Once we are in that professional role, this social characteristic will not die, but help companies in all aspects, especially through engaging clients/customers.
7. We are willing to...: work outside of our comfort zones. We will travel, we will relocate, we will work in uncomfortable environments, and strive to diversify the company in creative ways. GenY has constantly needed to prove themselves and will go to any lengths to set themselves apart.
8. We want to work: This is geared more towards women, but most individuals in the business world didn't go to school to find their significant other. They went to school to get a degree and use it. Women are settling down at a much older age and I believe this trend will continue. We have the go-get 'em attitude and will not let any conservative, pre-conceived notions of the typical women stand in our way. Watch out guys', we are ready to show you how its done!
9. We will change the world: Whether it be through technology or saving the environment, our generation will make a difference. We will be the generation that will not let the world down. We understand it is not longer about the money, but about the difference being made in a shareholders' life. We want to see a lot more than just a ROI number, we want to see ROE (return on engagement).
