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Student 1

Millennials in the Workplace

I was a special education teacher around 2006 – 2007. When teaching I remembered students having hyperactivity, inattention and impulsive behaviors. My main focus was to help students with conduct problems to behave how they were supposed to. Now fast forward to today, I am a therapist who mainly sees children and adolescents. One of the most shocking experiences I had was a six-year-old girl who came to therapy because she didn’t want to live anymore. My heart hurt for this girl; I couldn’t wrap my mind on her young age and not wanting to live. After my initial shock, I have seen children and adolescents with depression and anxiety, not for behavioral issues in school. When viewing Simon Sinek video, it clicked how accurate what he was saying and how this generation has higher depression and anxiety rates.

Characteristics of Millennial

When thinking of what a millennial can bring to a workplace my first thought is their understanding of today's technology and trends. In therapy, I am astounded on how technology is part of their culture. I am more old school and not very interested in social media and technology, I view it as a necessity but not something I am focused on a daily basis. Millennials can provide in a workplace their understanding of technology and maybe train senior members on how to utilize technological devices. In the article by LaCore (2015) expressed that millennials are more available to relocate versus senior employees are more stagnant; this is another quality Millennials have they don’t fear to move and find more job opportunities.

What Millennials Want

Millennials may seem lazy and entitled (LaCore, 2015). When thinking of what a millennial, like myself, feel is essential in a job is to have a job that’ll pay for what I am worth. Not to be arrogant but many employers may try to find an employee that has the qualifications they need and pay less for their service. Recently one of my friends, a veteran educator with a master degree, had an interview for a position she qualified for just eight dollars an hour. LaCore (2015) stated millennials are highly likely to maintain a job as long as their employers offer advancement opportunities.

College Professor Responsibility

One of the experiences I had as a therapist is career counseling. I help students identify their qualities and talents and try to give them information on what career paths can best suit them. College professors have an essential role in explaining job process after graduation and how they can see their lives in the career they have chosen. When I was completing my degree in Clinical Mental Health, many of my professors explained the licensure process, that takes approximately two years to complete a residency; and what I can expect as a resident in counseling employee. My professors were very clear in stating not to expect a high paycheck my first years as a therapist, which I am very grateful because it helped me not have high expectations.

References

LaCore, E. (2015). Supporting millennials in the workplace. Strategic HR Review, 14(4), 155. doi:10.1108/SHR-06-2015-0046