Tesar-Reynes

In my last post, I wrote about the Net Generation’s strengths. I have a confession to make. I originally started that post writing about the Net Generation’s weaknesses.

I felt like I was being critical. So I decided to focus on the strengths of my fellow Millennials instead. Now, I feel as if I can focus on our weaknesses, which, admittedly, we have some.

1. Learn to Follow (You Don’t Know Everything)

We spend four years in college learning how to do what we love. Once we graduate and land our first internship or job, we’re anxious to put that learning into practice.

Consequently we can get a little overzealous in our business endeavors. A desire to impress your bosses is good, but arrogance can be counter-productive.

Most internships have an internship coordinator or mentor you should be in communication with occasionally. If it’s an entry-level position, you’ll probably have an account exec or project director. My advice is to follow the lead of the superiors you’ve been delegated to. Report to them, respect the chain of command, and communicate through the proper channels. Make your boss look good, and most likely, they’ll return the favor.

2. Go the Extra Mile (9-5 Won’t Cut It)

I asked a teacher of mine, a senior vice president at Jasculca/Terman, what makes an intern stick out to her. She said that while talent of course matters, what really makes someone stick out is an enthusiasm and passion for the job.

“If you’re early to work in the morning and one of the last to leave at night, then that tells me something about the kind or worker you are,” she said.

We all know the mantra, hard work pays off and what not. Actions speak louder than words. If you arrive early and stay late, people will notice. If you keep learning, outside of work – meaning you read books on your industry, delve into the blogosphere, or attend seminars and conferences – your coworkers will identify you as a knowledge resource.

3. Spell Everything Correctly (You’re Not Sending a Text Message)

I’m ashamed I have to write this. Consistently, the number one complaint I hear about recent graduates is the prevalence of misspellings or bad grammar in work correspondence.

Sure, veterans of the industry blame it on text messaging and wall posts. I think what may help is to conceptualize we’re dealing with a different dialect at work.

Take this example. When you’re out with your friends on a Saturday night, you probably swear a whole lot more than you do when you’re at work, right?

Or if you’re texting a friend, you shorten words, use alpha-numerics, and add cute little emoticons to your sentences. ☺

This is all acceptable.

If you’re writing e-mail at work, there’s only one dialect – proper English. Misspellings and bad grammar are unacceptable.

4. You’re Good at What You Do (Stop Asking for Reassurance)

Growing up spoiled with constant attention has its consequences. While mom and dad may have pandered to our every need, we shouldn’t expect our bosses to.

I’m not saying feedback and guidance is bad. I’m saying – recognize you were hired to do a job, with the confidence that you would carry out your responsibilities to the best of your ability with the minimal amount of guidance necessary.

So when asking for feedback or guidance, make sure it’s a question you can’t answer by yourself.

If you do have to ask, be considerate of your superiors’ time. Ask your superiors for help in a way that allows them to respond meaningfully to your question – meaning give them some time to get back to you. They are busy busy people. Be patient.

Any Job In This Economy Is A Blessing

I think most of us grew up thinking hard work would get us where we wanted to go. If you’re like me, you’re probably a little angry at the situation we’ve inherited. (Anyone else have student loans calling?)

Luckily for us, the previous generation of marketers acknowledges our talents. They know, with traditional media gradually giving way to the new, young people will add to the innovation that sustains firms through the future.