Now that the economy is beginning its slow uphill climb, boomers are beginning to think about retirement and the cycle of hiring entry-level talent is beginning again. Yet, a lot has changed in these past months and as any hiring manager can attest to, the Millennial Generation is like no other.

Three key factors make for major differences between the Millennial Generation and their predecessors when it comes to engaging and retaining this generation:

* Technology- the Millennial Generation has grown up with technology and are referred to as “digital natives” this skill puts this generation at an advantage because they are able to integrate technology into all aspects of their work. This factor also creates a generation gap between older generations who are not as familiar with technology. Technology has also changed the way people interact. Older generations prefer scheduled face-to-face interaction while the Millennial Generation prefers convenient communication over e-mail, text messages and social networks.
* Parents- Parents of Millennials are often called “helicopter parents” thanks in part to their constant hovering and super-involvement in their children’s lives. Never before have parents played such a big role in all aspects of their children’s lives and these parents don’t just float away when their children head into the workforce. Hiring managers are reporting some parents are going so far as to accompanying their children to interviews and calling companies to inquire about the status of their children’s resumes. What effect does this have on hiring strategies?
* Higher Education-Millenials are graduating from college with more knowledge than any generation before them. They have been told that they are invaluable to the companies that seek them. While they will bring a new breadth of knowledge to your workforce, there is one key aspect they have not been schooled on: how to behave in a professional environment with both superiors and peer—what behavior is appropriate and what should be left on campus?

To aid hiring managers in the process of engaging and retaining millennial talent, Intern Bridge, the internship research and consulting firm responsible for the nation’s largest annual internship research project brings you the Millennial Thought Leaders Online Conference, taking place October 26-30. This conference will address all three of the factors addressed above and is a unique opportunity to engage in a nationwide program of best practices for engaging today’s entry-level talent.