Bentley University’s Millennial Preparedness research study raised a number of issues about millennials in the workplace. Each week the PreparedU Project, in a series entitled Generational Voices, presents opinions from millennials and non-millennials alike on a wide variety of these issues. These views may contrast or coincide, but each provides perspective designed to enhance insights resulting from the PreparedU data.

The Millennial Point of View

Noah Lilien, College Senior

I think that there are three major areas where millennials will have to make adjustments. But these are the same adjustments that every member of the workforce — regardless of age or generation — will have to make to succeed in the next decades of the 21st century.

First, with the immigration patterns and trends we’re seeing right now, working well in a very diverse professional environment will be absolutely essential. The baby boomers didn’t have to adjust to this when they were entering the workforce, but everyone has to do this today. It’s all about engaging with, and collaborating with, a multitude of new cultures.

Second, we’re going to be doing business on just about every continent from here on out. So working with a really global mindset from Day One is crucial. Again, the baby boomers could think of St. Louis and San Francisco sales forecasts when they started. Now, everyone is focusing on revenue and profits from Singapore and Stockholm — and with good reason.

Third, we have to zero in on sustainability and weave it into our business lives, just like marketing or finance. The boomers were part of the first green generation, but I don’t think they brought the environment into boardroom discussions. Today, that is table stakes.

So, yes, adjustments must be made. Big adjustments. But anyone working today — whether they’re 25, 35, 45 or 55 — has to make them in order to prosper.

The Generation X Point of View

Alaina Oleston, Art Director/Graphic Designer

As a parent of a 21-year-old, I strongly believe that the millennials just have to have their own style. 

But, like every other generation before them, they will need to learn certain business practices from the older generations to become more efficient and productive in the workplace.

Having said that, however, this young generation also has key talents and expertise that the older generations can learn from them.

Here’s an example of the two-way learning I’m talking about: millennials access data and research material at two to three times the pace of older generations. They very quickly find out where to look to obtain the best data to answer questions. But the millennial generation can benefit from older generations, who are more experienced at putting the data together and thinking in depth about a problem or issue. 

Another example is communication. Millennials are more adept at social-media channels to get a message out quickly and engage their peers. But they are used to communicating in 140 characters or less. So, I believe that they can learn from older generations how to better explain their ideas in a more comprehensive way.

As with any business partnership, it’s a give and take of knowledge and expertise from both sides that nets the best results.

I think that the millennials know that they have a lot to offer — and a lot to learn — which is one of the reasons why the workplace should be both exciting and stimulating in the coming years.