4 Interesting Things I’ve Noticed About Millennials
Millennial [def]: the name given to the generation born between 1982 and 2004. Also known as Generation Y. [1]
Millennials. Generation Y. A generation born into the digital world. Known for their technological prowess and possibly one of the most profoundly diverse generations in our history. As a millennial myself, I know how challenging it is to find consistencies within my generation. However, despite this, I do believe that there are some definite characteristics that define this generation. Characteristics that are truly are unique to the Millennials. Here are four of these characteristics:
1. Have a global network of friends
The rising popularity of university exchange and global development programs, internationally-orientated clubs and societies and the ability to stay connected through social media and VoIP services has allowed millennials to build lasting friendships with fellow millennials from around the world.
Millennials have friends everywhere.
Millennials have friends everywhere. And I’m not talking about meaningless Twitter or Instagram followers. These cross-border, connected millennials collaborate on projects, party it out together at big music festivals and share insights, stories and experiences. They have a true global mind-set and a global network of friends.
2. Not just in it for the money
Millennials are looking for something more.
It’s not surprising that big banks are rethinking recruitment strategies for millennials, who are less interested in the idea of earning mega bucks in exchange for those gruelingly long hours than the generations before them. Millennials are looking for something more. They want to be part of an entrepreneurial environment and make a tangible impact – in other words, to feel like they are creating something important. Millennials graduating from top schools around the world are trading investment banks for innovative, purpose-driven start-ups that genuinely believe in shaping a better future.
3. Believe that age is irrelevant
Millennials are raised in a world of 3D printers, drones, SpaceX rockets and Dragon capsules, virtual reality and contact lenses that monitor glucose levels - we believe in moonshot [2] projects more than any other generation. Importantly, it’s not uncommon to see 20-somethings running these multi-million dollar technology companies or raising significant financing rounds to start these ambitious businesses. The key theory here is that millennials reject the idea that ability and competence is directly proportional to age and experience. Growing up and following the success of young entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerburg (Facebook), Evan Spiegel (Snapchat) or the illustrious Paypal Mafia (which of course includes super-entrepreneur Elon Musk) has changed the way millennials think about age. Millennials don’t see age as a limiting factor or something to use as an excuse for not starting something.
Millennials reject the idea that ability and competence is directly proportional to age and experience.
4. Place a high importance on their ability to remain mobile
The end of WWII brought about the “Baby Boomer” generation where soldiers returning from service settled down and started families – thus accounting for the large amount of babies that were born during that time. In this aspect however, the Millennials could be seen as different species entirely. Millennials place a very high importance on their ability to remain mobile – both physically and psychologically. It could be argued that millennials are therefore naturally hesitant to commit to any serious relationship – a symptom stemming from a need to constantly adapt to a rapidly advancing and changing environment.
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[1] Investopedia. What is a ‘Millennial’? Viewed on 4 June 2016. http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/millennial.asp
[2] A moonshot is the term used to describe a very ambitious, trailblazing project that aims to radically change the way we live. Colonizing Mars is an example of a moonshot. It usually sounds crazy. Millennials love these by the way. For a more detailed definition, read here.