Posts Tagged: future of work
Predictions about the Future of Gen Y at Work
Posted in Future of Careers Generation Y/Millennials on June 2, 2011 at 10:00 am
As another cohort of young professionals enters the workforce this graduation season, I’ve been pleased to see some more positive articles about Generation Y appearing in the media. Sure, the members of this generation are still young and have a lot to learn, but, these articles assert, maybe they’re not as “entitled” and “coddled” as older generations feared.
Finally some good press for today’s twentysomethings!
I’ve been an evangelist of Gen Y for years and am pleased to see this more positive portrayal of a generation I’ve found to be smart, creative and ready to make a positive contribution to their workplaces. And I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the fact that the oldest Gen Ys are now entering their 30s and taking on more and more leadership positions. Inevitably, this will bring some big changes to the work world. Here are three predictions:
1. We will expand and lengthen the definition of “entry-level.” Because Gen Ys are extending the onset of adulthood into their mid-twenties or even age 30 (a phenomenon that I believe was confirmed when the new U.S. health care legislation determined that young people can stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26), I think companies will follow suit in treating the twenties are more of a career training period.
I believe we will see expanded internship programs (perhaps lasting several years beyond college), more alumni career resources being offered by universities (so there is less pressure to choose a career by age 21) and longer corporate rotational programs — perhaps moving from two years to three or four. The days of graduating college and joining a company for life are long over, but we are only beginning to see companies develop creative new approaches to career pathing. For interesting examples, check out Best Buy, Google and Zappos.
2. Titles and career paths will become more customizable. According to MTV’s 2010 Millennial Edge survey, 81 percent of Millennials agree with the statement, “I am always expressing myself in different ways.” We’ve already seen this attitude in the workplace with Gen Ys seeking work/life balance, holding out for careers they’re passionate about and not hesitating to leave jobs that don’t feel fulfilling.
Over the next decade, I predict that companies will respond with more customizable titles, rotational programs, work schedules and other opportunities for employees to express themselves and their unique preferences in their careers. This Gen Y characteristics will lead to more entrepreneurial desire as well, so companies that offer opportunities for intrapreneurship or support “moonlighting” will also have an advantage in attracting and keeping young talent.
3. “Standard” business communication will evolve. We’ve already seen business become much more casual. When was the last time you called a colleague or client “Mr.” or “Ms.” or wrote a formal business letter? While I firmly believe that good grammar and face-to-face interaction should never go away, it’s clear we are headed for more text message speak (“LOL” was just added to the Oxford English Dictionary, after all) and more virtual communication as the “digital natives” of Gen Y begin to run the show.
Because human interaction is still incredibly important, my belief is that the technology will improve so that even virtual communications feel personal, such as better video chatting software and more realistic meeting technology such as Cisco telepresence. Even if you can’t be in the same room as a client or colleague, you’ll feel as if you are.
What predictions do you have for the way Gen Y will affect the workplace in the coming years? Please share!
Are You Ready to “Work on Purpose”?
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Future of Careers Getting from College to Career on April 28, 2011 at 4:16 pm
By Lindsey Pollak 
In today’s changing economy and challenging job market, it can be difficult for a young professional to make choices about what type of career you’d really like to pursue. The options can seem nearly limitless, and it may feel impossible to truly consider all of the necessary factors involved in your decision-making.
Furthermore, many Millennials feel compelled to find work that is personally fulfilling and beneficial to their community. If you’re looking to find something more than “just a job,” Work on Purpose might just provide the answers you’re looking for.
Work on Purpose tells the stories of five young advocates and change makers, all of them inspirational in that they once found themselves in precisely your position. They, too, felt challenged to find meaningful work, but often had little idea of where to begin.
Changing the world is a real possibility, and Lara Galinsky and Kelly Nuxol, the authors of Work on Purpose, believe they have the formula for making your goals a reality. Through the stories of these role models and their formula for finding your own best fit, the authors hope to help you navigate the difficult journey of choosing a career that truly fulfills you.
Their formula is based on following a three-prong approach to finding the right career for you:
1. Listen to your heart. Discovering what motivates you, what drives you to action and what gets you out of bed in the morning is the first step to attaining your ideal career.
2. Use your head. All of us have strengths and weaknesses. Seriously consider what innate gifts you’ve been given, and use them to your advantage. These are the tools you have that will help you to stand out and succeed on your road to a successful and meaningful career. In other words, careers are not made on passion alone.
3. Unleash your hustle. This is where the “work on purpose” comes in. Once you’ve determined what your passionate about and what talents you can contribute, it’s time to get down to business. Establish your goals, keep a determined focus on accomplishing them, and pursue them doggedly each and every day. When you are inspired by the work that you’re doing, you will most likely find that it doesn’t feel much like “a job” at all.
Is all of this even possible in tough economic times like we now find ourselves? The authors say yes. “Hardship often spurs people to understand and appreciate what’s really important to them, like serving others. Nonprofit jobs are [currently] on the rise, along with volunteerism, government jobs and for-profit jobs with a positive social impact.”
Need some inspiration and more tactical tips? Check out www.echoinggreen.org/work-on-purpose, for an online platform, the book and interactive tools that support young people in the journey towards developing a meaningful career and a purposeful life.
What’s Wrong with a “Real” Job? A Q&A with Scott Gerber
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Future of Careers Generation Y/Millennials on February 9, 2011 at 10:00 am
With economic upheaval taking place around the world, the next generation of workers is up against a tidal wave of change. This week I had the privilege of conducting a Q&A session with Scott Gerber, who has some outspoken opinions on the future of careers for Millennials. Read Scott’s thoughts and then tell me what you think!
1. How big of a problem is youth unemployment/underemployment, and how can Millennials overcome it?
They are nothing short of global epidemics. Over 81 million young people are unemployed worldwide. In the U.S. nearly 20% of young people are unemployed–with millions more underemployed–and in countries such as Spain, the youth unemployment rate is as high as 40%. The fact is that the mantra of “work hard, get good grades and go to school to get a job” is dead and antiquated. Young people must leave the resume-handout mindset behind and learn to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs that are capable of generating their own incomes. I believe this is an achievable goal.
2. What do you consider a “real” job, and why do you encourage young people to avoid it?
A “real” job is one where you work for another individual and see no real value or upside from the work product you produce–or a place that forces you to put all of your eggs into one basket that you are neither holding nor own. In today’s new economy, where layoffs, hiring freezes, automation and corporate greed have become commonplace terms, I think it is unwise to rely on anyone but yourself when it comes to something as vital as your livelihood. To avoid the need for a “real” job, young people need to build simple, unoriginal, unsexy businesses that are capable of generating immediate revenue and can be built over time. We must stop thinking about building the next Facebook and start actually building the next tutoring service or plumbing company.
3. What is the biggest challenge young entrepreneurs face, and how do you suggest overcoming it?
Young entrepreneurs need to kill their egos. Reality check: your business will probably not become the next Groupon. The “rich by 30″ mentality is setting us back and pushing us down the path of launching start-ups built on nothing more than hopes and dreams. Plain and simple, this is stupid and will bankrupt us. We need to get real–fast–or be doomed to become a lost, foolhardy generation.
4. What advantages, if any, do Millennials have over other entrepreneurs?
We are the most technologically savvy generation in history and we usually have the ability to scale our lifestyles down to the bare bones necessities. These abilities allow us to create low-budget, minimal infrastructure start-ups with relative ease.
5. What is your #1 piece of advice for young entrepreneurs?
Be afraid, but not afraid to fail. Failure is GOOD! Be afraid to have never failed. Be afraid to look back on your life and see nothing but dead-end jobs and regrets in your past.
Scott Gerber is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, media personality, public speaker and the most-syndicated young entrepreneurship columnist in the world. He is the founder and CEO of Gerber Enterprises and founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council. Scott is also the author of the book, Never Get a “Real” Job.
What is the “Gen Y Way” at Work?
Posted in Generation Y/Millennials Managing Generational Differences Recommended Career Resources on January 24, 2011 at 10:00 am
For this week’s post, I had the pleasure of conducting a Q&A session with Jenny Floren, founder and CEO of Experience.com and author of The Innovation Generation: The Gen Y Way: How New Thinking Can Reclaim the American Dream.
Here is what Jenny had to say about Gen Y and how they approach their job searches and careers:
1. What do you feel Gen Y job seekers have to offer that older (more experienced) candidates don’t?
Gen Y has been brought up using the Internet, watching live, 24/7 news, expecting instant communication and emerging as the world’s first generation of “digital natives.” Today’s global economy brings new challenges and new rules; it truly is a new world—and Gen Y speaks the native tongue fluently. Their unique perspective and new thinking –also known as the “Gen Y Way” – brings a new view on a more socially conscious, global world.
2. You mention in your book that Gen Ys have a ‘why not?’ attitude. What do you mean by this and how is it an asset?
Think about it this way – in your own working environment have you learned more from the folks who have taken your direction as law or those who’ve stepped up to the plate and asked “why”?
In my opinion, an office full of robotic employees can only get you so far. Gen Y asks questions. They’re inquisitive and it’s been interesting to see some media thought leadership that’s condoned this quality.
When Gen Y questions the status quo, it’s because they’re looking at the situation through a different lens, and what they see doesn’t add up. They see that the old ways don’t work—and they can’t help but question why we’d want to continue down the wrong path. This type of questioning shouldn’t be chastised—it should be celebrated and rewarded!
3. What are employers’ biggest misconceptions about Gen Y?
“‘Generation Whine’ is entitled and needy.” For the past 15 years, I’ve been able to observe this remarkable group. What Gen Y really is, is the most misunderstood generation in history. This group is bringing new perspectives, new values and new thinking to the table – and this is exactly what we need to solve the challenges facing our world today.
They question old thinking and assumptions, and the reality is (as mentioned above) some people don’t like having their feathers ruffled. Gen Y also looks for collaborative methods to get the job done, which can differ from other generations’ beliefs that it’s a one (wo)man show.
At the end of the day, they’re less focused on financial endeavors and more so on creating a new set of life experiences and a balanced living. Gen Y isn’t whiny; what they are is in constant pursuit of new opportunities to learn and grow.
4. What is Gen Y’s impact on the workforce (positive or negative)?
I’m obviously going to say positive, but don’t take my word for it! Here in Massachusetts, efforts to attract and retain young, educated talent are a high priority. The Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX) launched a “Recruit and Retain” initiative to promote the growing new-media industry in the state, and to counter the misconception that all “cool” innovation is happening on the West Coast.
Today, many mainstream companies are attempting to step up the marketing of New England to attract the up-and-coming talent that is so critically important for innovation and growth. This effort by MITX and New England companies is indicative of the fact that the world is beginning to place a higher value on the Innovation Generation’s fresh thinking.
One need look no further than President Barack Obama’s utilization of social, collaborative technology in his campaign in order to assess the value of this new type of thinking.
Do you agree with Jenny’s assessment of Gen Y? How do you feel about being a member of this generation or working with Gen Ys? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Career Trends to Watch in 2011
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Future of Careers Generation Y/Millennials on January 13, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Happy New Year! Over the holidays, I spent some time thinking about the career trends that are most on my mind as we head into a fresh new year. Here are my thoughts, and I hope you’ll share yours in the comments.
1. The job market is not improving fast enough for most Americans. I have to agree with a recent New York Times op-ed by Bob Herbert, which pointed out that, while many data experts are painting a somewhat rosy picture of the economy in 2011, prospects for the 15 million+ unemployed Americans are still very grim.
Citing a Rutgers study, Herbert provides this chilling assessment: “The recession has been a cataclysm that will have an enduring effect. It is hard to overstate the dire shape of the unemployed.” I, for one, am committed to keeping this issue top-of-mind and working to find creative and effective solutions. As always, I will continue to share as many tips, tricks and tactics as I can to help more Americans get the jobs they want and need.
2. Fortunately, recent grad hiring is a bright spot. The good news if you’re looking for an entry-level position is that the job market is improving at a faster rate for recent grads than most other demographics. The National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2011 survey has shown that the job market for the Class of 2011 is off to a good start.
According to the organization, “Employers responding to the NACE Job Outlook 2011 Fall Preview survey reported plans to hire 13.5 percent more new bachelor’s graduates from the Class of 2011 than they did from the Class of 2010. When asked to describe the overall job market for Class of 2011 bachelor’s degree graduates, the largest group—almost half of employers— characterized it as ‘good.’ In comparison, last year, the largest group saw the job market as just ‘fair.’”
This doesn’t mean it will be easy for the Class of 2011, but we are definitely heading in the right direction when it comes to entry-level hiring.
3. Job categories are being forever changed. In the op-ed I mentioned above, Herbert also cites another New York Times article, which highlighted the fact that many of the jobs being added to the U.S. economy are not full-time positions with salary and benefits. Instead, “temporary workers accounted for 80 percent of the 50,000 jobs added by private sector employers in November.” This is not a new trend. Temping, freelancing, “permalancing,” adult interning, “free agenting,” consulting and other forms of non-full-time, non-salaried positions have been on the rise for years and they will continue to grow in 2011.
While many people opt for this arrangement as a lifestyle choice, for many other people it is the only option they have. If you are a recent grad or any job seeker, you need to seriously consider launching or re-starting your career in one of these employment situations. Although they may not be ideal, for many professionals these gigs have turned into the only way to get a foot-in-the-door of the workforce.
What other trends will you be watching in 2011? Please share!
Urban Interns and the Future of Jobs
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Future of Careers Generation Y/Millennials Getting from College to Career Job Search Tips on September 30, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Ever wish you could look into a crystal ball and see the future of jobs in America? Lauren Porat, co-founder of Urban Interns, has some insight. In this interview, Lauren and I talk about the future of jobs, and Lauren shares a few tips for landing jobs and internships in the new job market.
Some of Lauren’s tips for landing jobs/internships via Urban Interns:
* Don’t be turned off by the terms “internship” or “part-time”. Many people have developed incredible careers by serving multiple part-time clients. Also, starting out this way may allow you to get your foot in the door with some very cool, interesting startup companies.
* Think of the things you are good at, both personally and professionally. If you have years of experience with Facebook, even if you have only used it for your own relationships, you may qualify as a social media intern.
Read the rest of this post on my “College to Career” blog at MyPath.com…
How do you feel about the future of jobs, and do you have additional pointers that have helped you? Please share your comments below!
New Research on Millennials and the Great Recession
Posted in Future of Careers Generation Y/Millennials on May 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm
On Tuesday night I attended a dinner hosted by the Atlantic Media Company in Washington, DC, to discuss the results of the brand new Allstate-National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll, which offers a look at the economic experience of the Millennial generation.
There were about 20 of us at the table, including representatives from government, think tanks, media outlets and labor unions. The discussion was moderated by Ron Brownstein, who is not only a well-respected journalist and father of a Millennial, but, I learned, is also a fellow fan of Lost. (Yes, he was careful to end the dinner before Tuesday night’s episode.)
Here are some of my main takeaways from the discussion and the poll:
Job security is trendy. One of the more surprising findings of the poll is that 55% of Millennials say their goal is long-term employment with a single employer. And, when asked to rank their most important workplace priorities, job security was number one (with money a close number two). Personally, I believe this will change as the economy improves. I just don’t see Gen Y-ers sticking with traditional career paths with all of the options and portable benefits available in the new economy. In fact, many of the dinner attendees joked that they don’t even want to work for their current employers for the rest of their careers.
Read the rest of this post on my “College to Career” blog at MyPath.com…
Podcast: Why Two Jobs May Be Better Than One
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Future of Careers Gen Y Entrepreneurship Generation Y/Millennials on April 8, 2010 at 3:16 pm
“Modern moonlighting” has become an increasingly popular phenomenon among young professionals. It involves working a full-time job and pursuing other projects on the side.
Why are people doing this and how do you make it work? Listen in on my conversation with Jenny Blake, who works full-time at Google and runs a coaching and blogging business, LifeAfterCollege.org, on the side.
Listen to the podcast on my MyPath.com “College to Career” show now!
5 Predictions about the Future of Work
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Future of Careers on March 9, 2010 at 8:35 am
I always loved the Jetsons. Who didn’t love the thought of flying cars, robot maids and cool futuristic outfits like Judy’s?
I admit when I watched the Jetsons I wasn’t paying much attention to where the characters worked or what happened when they got there. But today, I am totally fascinated by predictions about the future of work.
Will we all work from home and go to virtual meetings with our colleagues in Second Life?
Will I be able to give speeches virtually, with a holographic image of me (a la CNN’s Wolf Blitzer during the 2008 presidential election) standing behind a holograph of a podium?
Will people have robot assistants?
To help my thinking and yours on this topic, I’ve been doing a lot of research that I want to share with you today. Here are some of the most compelling career and workplace predictions I’ve come across. It’s never too early to start thinking about how these trends will impact your own career:
OFFICE TEAM: More than 100 million people are expected to telecommute to work by the year 2015. This sounds accurate to me. With an increase in contract workers, freelancers, working parents and caretakers of elderly relatives, it makes sense that we’ll increasingly work from everywhere except an office.
No business travel. 3D virtual reality meetings will all but eliminate business travel. There’ll be no snail mail. The postal service will be privatized and compete directly with FedEx and UPS, but only for shipping; mailing documents will be unnecessary. Beaming technology could change everything, if and when. People will have cyber-implants for telecommunications and video display.
Sarah Sladek: I also believe our workplaces will become even more health-focused with walking workstations and environmentally-friendly practices.
Tammy Erickson: Two-job norm — More people will maintain two sources of income than ever before. Instead of relying on the onetime holy grail of employment — a salaried job with full benefits — workers will create a series of backup options. For many, especially those in creative or knowledge-based work, this is likely to include becoming entrepreneurs. A second job or even a small entrepreneurial venture provides a safety net, giving workers a small measure of control over their fate in an increasingly unstable environment.
Office TeaM To remain marketable, workers will have to make education a lifelong priority, continually upgrading their skills. I agree here as well. I can see people having a lifelong relationship with their college or university, not just returning for reunions but also for more education. My hunch is that the majority of this will take place through online learning. In fact, IBM is supporting its workers in this effort by matching them dollar-for-dollar in their educational pursuits, even if an employee is educating himself or herself to a job outside of IBM.
