School’s Out: Advice for Millennials

By Dr. Elliot D. Lasson

In today’s workplace, there is a confluence of professionals coming from different backgrounds, experiences and generations. Perhaps the most talked about group is the Millennials.

Sometimes referred to as “Generation Y,” Millennials are the first “digitally native” generation.  Currently, an estimated 36 percent of the American workforce are Millennials, and by 2020 that percentage will be about 46 percent, nearly half of the workforce.

In my advising of early career professionals, I’ve been able to collect information and feedback from employers, and tried to provide guidance to Millennials.  The following are five tips for Millennials on how to enhance their professional success.

Dress and Defy Stereotypes: One of the first things we notice about others is their appearance.  One of the knocks on Millennials is that their dress is overly casual.  It is important for Millennials to dress in a way that is normative with other co-workers and the organization in general.  This is not only the case for an interview, but on the job as well.  Many companies have become “business casual” with guidelines of how that differs from just casual.  You can still dress stylish and even trendy, as long as it’s not sloppy, over-the-top or otherwise distracting.

Avoiding Digital Distractions: Most people today will bring one or more digital devices to work.  It could be a smartphone, tablet, watch or laptop.  These devices can be used for both work and personal.  It is never good form for supervisors and co-workers to develop a stigma of a Millennial as someone who is “always on his phone texting” or “checking Facebook.”  It’s wise to develop habits of disconnecting during core work hours and using lunch or other scheduled breaks to check in.

History Lessons: Another criticism of Millennials relates to their attitude toward management and more seasoned co-workers.  Regardless of one’s generation, it’s important to think of yourself as part of the chain of history at your office.  Realize that older employees and managers have experienced life and successfully managed situations.  One day, you will also be the older generation and have wisdom to dispense.  In addition, older generations at work had to get by with less technology and developed work styles without what is now available.  So their wisdom and “old school” approach to working should be respected.

Take Initiative: In every job, there will be downtime.  This might especially be the case for Millennials during internships.  Keep in mind that there are ways of filling those gaps with reaching out and asking what else needs to be done.  This could also be done by intuiting needs without having to ask how to be helpful.  There might also be opportunities to do some independent business research or take job-relevant online tutorials.

Keep in Touch: It is commonplace for Millennials to cycle in and out of jobs more frequently than their predecessors.  It’s never wise to burn bridges when leaving a job.  But it is also recommended that when moving on, leave the work area clean and assist with transitioning a replacement.  After leaving, make sure to keep up with the organization and co-workers in a positive manner.

One never knows when they will once again be relevant or of benefit to you.

Elliot D. Lasson, Ph.D, is professor of the Practice and Graduate Program Director at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County for its Master’s  in Industrial Organizational Psychology Program. He also works as a Human Capital Consultant.

You May Also Like
Hiring People With Disabilities is a Win-Win for Everyone
woman at desk

People with disabilities bring the same assets and qualities to a job as any other perspective employee, writes Stanley Stith of Jewish Community Services.

How to Determine if Your Job is the Right Fit
workers in an office

When contemplating a new job, think about greater work satisfaction beyond simply salary, writes Carol Henger of the Ignite Career Center.

Aligning Values and Professional Development
Job_interview

Lisa Cohn of the Ignite Career Center offers tips on how to consider personal career fit in your job search.

6 Common FAQs about Resumes, Interviews and Job Searches
job interview

Candice White of the Ignite Career Center offers tips on how to effectively apply for a job.