Issues Facing Millennials as They Enter the World of Work

Andrea Knies

andrea.knies@hotmail.com

As a career counselor I am aware of many factors currently affecting those about to graduate from college. Some of these elements are part of the big picture and faced by everyone. The challenge for the Millennial generation is to identify the obstacles that are within their control.

Technology

Millennials have a great relationship with technology.  It has been a vital part of their entertainment, education, and social lives.  So it is logical that this would be the first place they would reach when they are preparing for the world of work. They Google the word ‘resume’ and are overwhelmed with hits on the subject. However, Google cannot help them sort through to find the most appropriate information for their situation. Unfortunately, this generation is depending on that information instead of seeking out the help of their campus career centers that are there to aid them on this journey.  The second problem that Millennials are having with technology and their job search is the amount of faith they place in large job boards. Many soon to be graduates are using a passive approach to the job search and truly believing that if they place their resume on a large job board that someone is going to find them and offer them a position. This is not the way a job search works, but it is an easy and safe way for the Millennials.

When used correctly Millennials have the talent to create a great job search through technology. They can blog about issues they are passionate about, they can create websites to showcase their work, and they can use social networking to connect with people all over the world. If this generation would take a more proactive approach they can use technology as an effective piece to their job search.

Workplace Shifts

Another problem that Millennials are facing as they enter their professional lives is understanding this shift that has occurred. We have moved from a world where you work as part of a corporation to a world where you are your own corporation. Most Millennials have been raised by parents who have a boss. Their parents found a position within a company and then identified with that role. With the change that the nation is currently undergoing we are moving towards a world in which people will be offering their services and talents and creating their own businesses. This is not a new concept, it is similar to the pre-industrial revolution workforce. However, this is not something that Millennials have seen. They do not understand the concept of building a career around yourself instead of around a company.

There are two things that Millennials can do to help work through this issue. First of all they can start talking to people from older generations. Find those people who started their own company or were on the cutting edge of new trends. Look to those people for inspiration as we begin a new frontier. Another way Millennials can move forward with this shift is by creating their own brand. Millennials have seen brands their entire life. Now is the time to dissect that concept and apply it to building a personal brand. Millennials can then easily use the internet to promote this brand.

Safety Net

It is great to see how close Millennials are to their parents. I myself happily tell my mother everything and look to my parents for advice. However, there is also a downside to this and that is the safety net. When the going gets tough it is very easy for the Millennials to move back home. (When I mention the safety net, I am not referring to collectivist cultures. In cultures when it is customary to move home until beginning your own family those children are expected to work.) The problem with Millennials is that they can move home and play video games without any stigma and their parents welcome them with open arms.

There is nothing wrong with needing some help and I feel that we are a generation lucky enough to have that support. However, the problem is when Millennials abuse the situation. Millennials need to continue to be proactive. Even if they must move home they can still do their own laundry, help with dinner, and continue to look for a job every day.

There are many elements out there that are affecting the workforce, but with a little self examination Millennials can eliminate the obstacles that are within their control.

Andrea Knies

Career Counselor

Millennial