By observing some statistics on Facebook provided by the CareerBuilder.com Job Seeker Blog in the article "Where the 'Facebook Generation' Works, according to Facebook" we can get quite a good idea of some critical characteristics of the Gen Y workforce.
First off we know that Generation Y is well educated with 80% of them listing some school they attended. And according to the Pew research center, 40% of Generation Y is currently in the process of getting a college degree, while 19% already posses degrees.
CareerBuilder also informs us that Generation Y values independence and entrepreneurship more than previous generations. In fact, less than 7 percent of Generation Y lists a job on Facebook with a Fortune 500 company. It seems that Gen Y is less receptive to the corporate career path they often few as too rigid.
This article also informs us of some unlikely job choices:
While many go on to hold good jobs in areas like technology, education and finance – all among the top-10 industries listed on Millennials’ Facebook profiles – a large number are also employed in jobs that don’t require college degrees. The hospitality industry was the largest employer of Millennials, while “server” was the most frequently-listed job title, for example.Millennials will usually take jobs that don't require college degrees due to both the current weak economy and for supplemental income while they finish their college education. To the youngest generation of the workforce having a freedom of choice with what they do in their life is something they place high importance on.
Most of Generation Y is already aware that they are now competing in a global marketplace. In order to be qualified for the most attractive jobs they need an education that matches that of their international competition, whereas a few decades ago competition for top jobs was limited to candidates within the nation, or even within a single state.
Another interesting fact in this article is that Millenials are likely to mix their personal and work lives. According to a study conducted by Magid Generational, 44 percent of Gen Y is logged into Facebook during work hours. With personal and professional lives merging closer and closer together, managing online reputation becomes more of a point of concern.
It will be interesting to see how this new merging of personal and professional lives through social media will shape the culture of Generation Y in this decade. In the opinion of Yours Truly, Generation Y are the forerunners, and in many cases the developers, in the world of social media which suggests a positive outcome in the long run.
Feel free to share your thoughts!
In your opinion, how do you think Social Media will shape Gen Y culture over the next 10 years?
