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In a recent issue of Business Week, Gen Y (ages 18-30) is called “The Lost Generation”. The articles goes on to say that Gen Y is “unable to grab even the first rung of the corporate ladder” and paints a dreary pictures of an entitled generation finding that the world is no longer handing them trophies. Which is true.
However, many young people see this information and give up. “Oh, the economy sucks and I’m not going to get a job, even as a waiter, and so I better move back in with my parents asap!!” they think.
I’m hear to say: Gen Y is capable of achieving. The job market is there for those who have made themselves into the person that companies want to hire. Who wants to hire an inexperienced college students with no previous jobs or internships, no skills to speak of, and no demonstrated leadership? Why not just hire a monkey instead?
If you’re seeking a job and you’re new to the industry, get an internship. Serve a good 300 hours in a company for free to gain experience. And if you can’t find a job still, do another internship. And another. As many as it takes to open the door to a paid opportunity. You might have to be a waiter or cashier to pay the bills while you intern, but at least you’ll be getting experience.
If you can’t find an internship, volunteer. There’s lots of nonprofit organizations who would love free help.
Clean up your social media profile. No tequila shots or cigarette-smoking pics, no matter how old you are. No skanky outfits or major PDA pics. Remove your political and religious affiliations from your profiles. Don’t post about being depressed or hating school or work. Even if your profile is private, it’s becoming more common for interviewers to insist on seeing your profile during the interview.
Whether you’re in college or not, get involved. On campus, try to get a leadership position in a student organization. Off campus, join a professional organization.
Go to networking events – but don’t just have something you want, be prepared with something of value to others. Maybe it’s a restaurant recommendation or a good book or something else exciting.
Show you know your stuff by teaching classes through your local adult education project and answering questions on LinkedIn, and even writing a blog or articles.
Opportunities are waiting for those who are working hard. If you can show an employer previous experience as an intern, a volunteer leadership position, and proof of knowledge in the community, you will stand out of the crowd. Your future is your hands: seize it!
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November 3, 2009 2:59 pm
Here, here!
It's easy to just crawl up in a ball of "I'm going to have to move back in with my parents" and give up. But it's much more productive to get out in the world and connect with people, learn new skills, and add to the ol' resume. There are a ton of ways to do it, too. Thanks for this post.
November 3, 2009 3:28 pm
You can lead a jobless horse to water, but you can't make him or her drink. It's frustrating to see people complain about not having jobs but also not take their "branding" efforts seriously. All we can really do is offer our two cents and be made available if that person wants to know more. Otherwise, don't lose sleep over it.
November 3, 2009 9:31 pm
Marissa,
That presupposes that their parents will let them move back in, or even if their parents are in a position to even think of letting them move back in.
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Grad School Zone
UVA (Darden) MBA Admissions Deadlines for 2010-2011
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The University of Virginia's Darden School of Business recently published its application deadlines for the coming admissions season. Here they are, followed by our comments in italics:
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