Everywhere I turn I see newspapers, magazines, and internet posts claiming to demystify the characteristics of the millennial generation. One of the most prominent features on the millennial population is Joel Stein's infamous Time magazine article, "Me Me Me Generation". He casts the millennial generation as lazy, self-centered and arrogant, in case you haven't read it. According to Miriam-Webster, a millennial qualifies as someone who will reach adulthood during the 2000s. Coming to adulthood in a time revolutionized by the global connectivity fostered by both the internet and technology, college students face a unique work environment. I call it unique because today's workplace requires savvy with technology, adaptability in ambiguous situations and intercultural competence. As Bob Dylan said, "times are a changing."
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| "Since when are millennials lazy?" Source |
What follows is my advice for millennials who are planning to enter the multigenerational workforce. Many of these tips derive from my experiences speaking with employees at my internships, through informational interviews, as well as internet research. A main source of my advice comes from millennial expert Dan Schawbel and his Forbes article in which he provides excellent advice for our generation.
Look at your career as a collection of experiences
Dan Schawbel emphasizes the importance of looking at your career development as a life long journey of learning. Experiences make up who we are, who we know, and how we see things. Therefore it is very important to appreciate that all your experiences, whether bad or good, serve as professional development. For all those pessimistic millennials out there, I'm talking to you! I know you feel that your jobs as babysitter, camp counselor, retail worker, lifeguard, waitress, and Starbucks barista seem trivial in the grand scheme of things. However, the experience gained from these jobs contribute to your learning about yourself and developing transferable skills that will apply to a variety of future opportunities. Remember people: skills are important! Skillfullness is the THING right now. So if you've decided you never want to stare at an empty pool again, or if you're done customizing espresso beverages, it's fine. Just make sure you understand the value in these experiences!
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| "Take Risks!" Source |
Reach for the Sky! Take Risks!
This tip may get tricky, but take risks! Yeah, I said it! Let me be clear - these risks should be calculated and somewhat planned for. I wouldn't say I'm a very spontaneous person, but millennials should understand the importance of taking risks early on in their careers. Post-college is probably the best time to take risks, for example by working for that small startup. Taking risks is important, and may test your ability to cope when things go wrong. Another reason to take risks early on in your career? Don't be afraid of making mistakes, now is the time to make them!
Build "Real" Relationships
Again, referencing Joel Stein's article on the "Me Me Me Generation," he emphasizes the increased popularity and social acceptance of the use of the Instagram selfie, narcissistic complaints via Twitter, as well as the Me Me Me Generation's increased use of iPhones and Androids in order to connect with people. I agree that our generation practices an abundance of "screen time" through the use of our laptops, cell phones, and tablets (Can't forget those). The ease with which millennials use technology to communicate has created an "awkwardness barrier" when some have to meet with people in person. My advice, then, is don't just "connect" or "friend" someone online if you haven't had a meaningful conversation with them offline. It's important to build strong, functioning network connections, instead of connecting to kids from your high school who you never even spoke to. A large network is great, but you have to make sure all of your connections are meaningful and healthy!
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| "Get off your phones people!" Source |
Make your own website
We are living in an internet connected world. How about swapping out that Word doc resume with a personal website! At first I thought this was slightly out of the box because HTML isn't really my forte, but it's actually a great idea, especially for students focusing on fields that prize creative and artistic skills. It's a great way to set you apart from other applicants and helps with your personal branding. This post by The Muse will help to get you started!
Travel! Travel! Travel!
Through several of the informational interviews I've conducted, and conversations I've had with professionals at New York Life, an experience that employers value is work abroad. Don't be afraid to venture out and work/volunteer in another country and learn another language. Not only does this provide you with a unique experience, but it illustrates to recruiters that you have intercultural experience. So if you have the chance to work abroad, don't hesitate! It's a great opportunity to forge networking connections across the globe, as well as give you a work experience that you will never forget!
Find a Mentor
Kelly wrote an earlier post about mentoring, and it's advantages. Mentors are great because they not only give you insight and advice into their jobs, but they also open up windows of opportunity through their network. If you are looking for a mentor don't be afraid to reach out to a Tufts alum through the Tufts Career Advisory Network. A great mentor can help you hit the ground running after graduation and will continue to give you advice throughout your journey of creating a career path.
Therefore, a shout out to all my fellow millennials. No need to be pessimistic, even though others seem to be pessimistic about us. Let's be cool and prove them all wrong. It's time for us to enter the workforce and show off our next-generation skills!
Carpe Diem,
Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016
