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Danielle is a full-time journalism student at Northeastern University. She also writes on the side and has recently contributed to 
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New here? Employee Evolution is dedicated to helping the Millennial generation answer the hard-hitting questions that come with the biggest transition of our lives. Be sure to visit our about section for the full story. Since you're here, check out our best articles in the archives. We've also put together a list of some Millennial-friendly employers on our jobs page. Any questions? Feel free to contact us.
This was a piece I put together as part of a presentation to my company’s HR department as background for redesigning their recruiting materials. Although some of it seems pretty obvious to a twentysomething, some of the people that it was presented to were absolutely amazed.
“I” statements that reflect what recent graduates are looking for:
The most important things to me are my coworkers and the company’s culture. I want to work with people who are enthusiastic, stimulating, friendly, competent, and fun. I like to be able to form friendships with my coworkers and also want to have a good relationship with my boss. I think coworkers and management should be approachable, especially if I need help.
A competitive salary is also important to me. With college loans looming, I’m very concerned about money. As it becomes the norm to have an undergrad degree I would like to maintain a competitive edge by pursuing a graduate degree. I am very interested in finding an employer who will help finance my MBA.
I would like to be appreciated for my accomplishments. It’s important for me to receive actionable and detailed feedback, so that I can improve and exceed your expectations.
I am aggressive and constantly seeking to improve myself. I want to be challenged. I am looking for a job that allows me to participate fully in the projects I am working on. I am comfortable working on teams, in a supportive or leadership role.
I want the work I do to mean something. I would like to work with a product that correlates with my ideals and may be important to society.
Location is important as well. I’m thinking about: How far will I be from friends and family? How long will my commute be in the morning? What kind of activities in the area can I participate in?
I think volunteering is important. I am concerned about politics, socio-economic impact, and the environment. I’m looking for opportunities to give back and the ways that your company will support me in these endeavors.
I want to be able to make connections with those in and beyond my peer group. It’s in my nature to network.
I may view this job as temporary, a stepping stone in my still-as-yet-undecided career path. Give me a reason to stay. Give me a reason to tell my friends why they should work here, too.
I am constantly connected to the Internet , to my friends. My cellphone is on 24/7. I am on Facebook daily and might even have a Myspace, too, but don’t check it often.
When I look for a job I check my college’s career search engine, the local paper’s classifieds online, craigslist.com, and maybe Monster.com. I will also try to find someone who worked for the company to get the inside scoop about the corporate culture.
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Leave your thoughts here. (14 responses)
- 1 Pingback on Jun 26th, 2007 at 10:24 am
- 2 Trackback on Aug 24th, 2007 at 7:58 am
Danielle - I (a Baby Boomer) am as surprised as you that anyone, especially in HR, would find anythig you said surprising. Who wouldn’t want those things - whatever generation they are?
Your list of what’s important was all “me” focused, rather than how you would contribute to the orgasnization, but you were asked for “I” statements.
I think you produced a very articulate statement, and if what you said was in any way surprising, that company needed to hear it. At least they asked, which is a very positive first step.
Phyllis www.pdcounsel.com
amen. I remember discussing these with you when you were working on them. I think the older we get, and the feelings we have regarding different positions at work, the more we can all figure out what we want to get out of the job market. My last job definitely taught me that I want to be “in the loop”. I want to have a broader understanding of what my job means to the organization as a whole, so that I don’t feel like my work is a stand-along endeavor (whether its monotonous or fulfilling). I want to have access to the interesting people and events too–who says just higher management should be involved in conferences or meetings or high-profile guests? Independence is key too–having my own tasks to manage, rather than just taking orders and handing work back to a higher-up.
Danielle,
Perhaps a “reality check” is in order? As an entrpreneur with 2 small business, I’m supposed to pay you top dollar to help you pay off student loans, and finance your MBA, while you’re off “saving the whales”? Fortunately, you’re only viewing the job as a “temporary stepping stone”, since with you, and a couple of like-minded cohorts on staff, the padlock would be on the door in about 60 days.
Jan - you’re supposed to pay us top dollar because we’re good at what we do, and we’re putting in top performances because we are passionate about our jobs. And “saving the whales” is a bit over the top - as an example of what Danielle means, my work allows people to take variable hour lunches, and some people choose to volunteer at a local special needs school during their lunch hour. It costs the company nothing, and the employees get a chance to volunteer and give back to the community.
Danielle, that’s a great statement of what we Millenials look for in a job. Hopefully more organisations will start to realise what we want, instead of us having to fight for it every step
Jan,
I hear what you’re saying. My parents had their own company for a long time, and I completely understand that as an entrepreneur with 2 small businesses you wouldn’t be in a position to help me pay off student loans. That’s fine, I’ll take a second job to do that if the work you give me is challenging and inspiring. Keep in mind, the original audience for this was an international company with approximately 4,000 employees and more than a billion dollar annual income.
and ps, I couldn’t care less about the whales (sorry!). I spend my free time running a multi-level girl scout troop with about 40 scouts in a nearby neighborhood.
Thanks for your comment!
Phyllis,
Yes, the statements were me focused. Again, I was asked to provide an “inside the head of a new recruit” perspective. Maybe I’ll work on putting together a list of ways millenials are going to contribute to the organizations they want to work for? Thanks for the idea!
What surprised them most seemed to be the fact that we did “back door” research about a company. They were a little surprised when I said I contacted people on Facebook who worked at places I was interviewing with to find out about the REAL corporate culture, that I didn’t just take the recruiters word as gospel.
Thanks for commenting!
I think alot of what Danielle says is true for most generations but what sets this generation apart is the way they look at where they work and why. They seem more willing than previous generations to not be afaird to make a move if they are not satisfied with their job. Parlty because they are so connected to the internet they are able to get a lot of information regarding potential employers. I think one thing they should be aware of is there is also a lot of information about them that potential employers can see. Therefore they should be careful about personal information, pictures, etc,,,
Danelle,
Surely Millenials do not think they are the first idealistic generation who thinks they can, should and will have it all? Some will, I am sure. Some in my generation did as well. Most only for a period of time, then life’s roots grew and the ability to move on to truly find what you want in work gets harder and harder; marriage, kids in school, saving for their college, weddings, and helping to take care of the older generation all take their toll even as they bestow their blessings. And this is not even considering the impact of unplanned job loses (downsizing), health care, and hard to resist indefinitely American materialism; owning a home, car, and the latest technology and “toys”.
Every generation demands the unreasonable and the unheard of — and that makes some change for the better in the workplace. At the same time, technology displacement, competition and globalization of the workforce balance the ability to major gains for workers.
Linda,
I’m not so delusioned to think we’re the first to have big hopes and big dreams. But hey, if someone’s got to be today’s big dreamer I’m more than happy to fill that role. I’m not sure what roots I’ll have in 5 years or 10 years and I know that I can’t change EVERYTHING in the WHOLE world. But like you said, “Every generation demands the unreasonable and unheard of — and that makes some change for the better in the work place.”
One of my dreams is to pass on hope of changing the future to even younger generations. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching one of my Daisy girl scouts try something new and succeed beyond their wildest dreams.
I also think that globalization doesn’t have to be seen as a negative thing. The ability to open up channels of communication across generational and national barriers will help facilitate dialogue and change. The world is changing faster today than it ever has before, so even if my generation can’t change everything that we think is wrong, we might just be able to change enough.
I completely agree with you on all points. I actually had a potential employee act surprised when during the interview I asked what the multi million dollar corporation does within the community. Although she actually was impressed with my interest for making a difference in the community and suggested if I get hired to go ahead and propose ideas. I definitely plan on doing so.
I think the world our generation grew up in demands our help and our efforts. Things are changing much more rapidly than they were for other generations. I feel compelled to be involved and put a stop to this downward spiral.
Ignorance is no longer an option for some.
I am in utter shock that you are actually being discouraged for making your community a better place and for standing up for your rights.
It is a misconception to think that just because we are young we are naive. One you will regret when you see where this drive and passion takes us.
It’s amazing how people come out of college and think they know everything about the “business world”. As an Exec VP. I have had to deal with all “the smart asses”…you are not worth top dollar because “you think you know it all” You are just another employee that “needs to be trained” not the other way around!!
Dan:
What I think is amazing is that everyone assumes we know nothing. Nobody claimed that they knew everything here, even you exerting that claim can be easily tossed aside by your narrow-minded “Executive” attitude.
Maybe those entry-levels you’re trying to beat into submission know more than you think. When it comes to entry-level standing, Gen-Y is quickly earning the reputation of most educated. Perhaps it’s time to put down that whip and start listening to what then have to say.
Things can’t stay the same forever. Once you make that transition from “Executive VP” to Executive Senior Citizen, I have a feeling you’ll start seeing some of the changes you’re quicly dismissing as entry-level cocky-ness.