When you’re just starting out in the working world, it can be a little intimidating. It’s hard not to compare yourself to the older, more experienced professionals in your field and think, “what can I possibly bring to the table?”. The truth is, as a millennial you have a lot to offer. Millennials are so much more than entitled, selfie-stick-using hipsters. Our unique generation provides a different set of essential workplace skills. Embrace the fact that you’re cut from a different cloth than that of your older peers. While you should do everything that you can to learn and grow from your elders, recognize that you’ve got some millennial superpowers that make you an important asset to the workplace.
1. We’re tech-savvy
As millennials we have more experience with technology because we’ve spent our entire lives around computers. That doesn’t automatically make us tech pros, but it does mean that we’re more likely to adapt to new technologies. If you’re new to the office and know how to solve a technology problem, don’t be afraid to step up (unless the IT guy is already on it). This could be your time to shine.
2. We’re open to change
Millennials are more adaptable workers. We thrive during moments of change and possibility and even get a little bored when we’re doing the same thing for too long. Show how much of a dynamic worker you can be by taking on new projects that require different skills.
3. We have social media skills
Many millennials have had Facebook since middle school. The rise of social media happened while we were all growing up so we know how to adapt to different websites and media platforms. From AIM messenger to Twitter to Snapchat, we’ve seen and mastered many cycles of online communication.
4. We’re open-minded
As millennials, we are a more socially conscious generation that is aware of and open to important issues like LGBT equality. We’re also the most diverse generation of workers yet. Being more supportive of social movements makes us good additions to the workplace. We’re very open to the variety of people we work alongside in the office.
5. We’re passionate
Millennials are actually more interested in job-fulfillment than cutting a big paycheck. We’re passionate people and want to care about what we do. We’d rather live an enthusiastic and inspired life than slave away at a monotonous 9-to-5. This passion means that we’ll work extremely hard on projects that we care about without expecting a huge monetary payoff.
6. We’re independent thinkers
Millennials are proven to be more independent thinkers and workers. We don’t need our hands to be held on the the job. We will take initiative when we can and enjoy solving problems on our own.
7. We’re audacious
Millennials come from the same generation as entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg. Like him, we are young, passionate and audacious workers who aren’t afraid to fail in the pursuit of following intuition. We’re a generation that’s more open to taking risks and making bold moves. Trying new things isn’t scary – it’s exciting.
Apply now to put these essential workplace skills into context at an international internship!
Sources: http://www.thebolde.com/12-reasons-millennials-best-generation/, http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2014/05/16/six-reasons-millennials-are-actually-the-best-workers/#7c67bf54837b, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247968
Photo 1. based on The Atom Picofig, by Julian Fong, CC-by-SA 2.0
Photo 2. based on Time to Recharge, by Randy Wick, CC-by-SA 2.0
Photo 3. based on Che ci faccio in vetrina accanto ad una tazza?, by Giovanni, CC-by-SA 2.0
