By definition, I am a “Millennial.” What exactly is that you ask?
Demographics:
No definitive agreement on birth years; experts say somewhere between 1978 and 1995; most say 1981 to 1993.
Positioned in history to be the next “Hero generation”
Beliefs:
Education is good, Integrity is admirable, Parents are role models
Defining life experiences:
Grew up basking in “The Decade of the Child”—children on a pedestal vs. “children should be seen and not heard,” Fathers became more involved in parenting, Came of age during a time of incredible change and scandal within modern organizations, Most “hovered over” generation ever in our country;unprecedented parental supervision and advocacy
Defining life events:
Columbine High School, 9-11, Enron, WorldCom, etc., War in Iraq, Nuclear threat from North Korea, Emerging nations—China, India.
Impact of technological advancement:
Never experienced life without computers, Reverse accumulation of knowledge—the younger you are, the more you know, All information is a click away; so is the competition, The world is a click away
Millennials at work:
Work well with friends and on teams, Collaborative, resourceful, innovative thinkers, Love a challenge, Seek to make a difference, Want to produce something worthwhile, Desire to be a hero, Impatient, Comfortable with speed and change, Thrive on flexibility and space to explore, Partner well with mentors, Value guidance, Expect respect.
Characteristics:
Techno-savvy, Connected…24/7, Self-confident, Optimistic, Hopeful, Independent, Comfortably self-reliant, Determined, Goal oriented, Success driven, Lifestyle centered, Diverse, Inclusive, Global-, civic- and community-minded, Pulling together, Service oriented, Entrepreneurial.
So there you have it. That pretty much describes me!
