– by Dakota Isaacs
You’ve heard the news – everyone hates us.
While that might be a slight exaggeration, the stereotype of a Millennial isn’t really helping our reputations much.
As the younger-end of the Millennial generation approaches its entrance into the work force, it’s time to stop whining (as we typically do) and figure out how we can combat the reputation that precedes us.
Stop acting entitled
“In my experience, Millenials often need constant verbal reinforcement and praise for minor tasks,”says Jessica Richardson, communications manager of Darkness to Light.
Richardson explains that young workers need to understand that even if the praise stops flowing, it doesn’t mean they aren’t being valued. “That’s just life,” she adds.
Use your second brain: Google
In an age where the answer is always at your fingertips, Millennials are expected to know more, primarily because more information is out there.
Morgan Easton, CofC sorority president, can’t fathom not using Google. Easton, like many others, believes the search engine is a huge resource and leg-up for students.
“I don’t see how college kids could graduate today without Google,” she says.
Clean up your media (…again)
How many times have we been told to delete those keg stand pictures, blur beer logos using iPhoto, or make our profiles “private”?
Richardson, like many others, believes Millennials don’t really have a concept of privacy or consequences.
“I interviewed a part-time worker once whose profile photo was her drunk and passed out on a deck,”she said.
Come on, people. Do we really want to be the generation who gets fired over sloppy Facebook photos?
Connect
We’ve shifted from an information economy to a social economy. It’s sad but often true that it’s less about what you know and more about who you know.
Millennials are unparalleled at connecting (often while multitasking); use it to your advantage.
Get Formal
Freshman year I watched a slideshow in class about things not to write in an e-mail to a professor.
Really?
But Richardson, also an adjunct professor at CofC, says she has to explain simple etiquette in her classes, such as not starting an e-mail with, “Hey.”
It’s time to put an actual suit on, set the phone down, and stare up at the big ladder in the sky.
Let’s prove ‘em wrong, Millennials…we got this.
CougarBuzz 