If you were born between 1980 and the year 2000 then you belong to a generation known as Generation Y. You are known to be sociable, confident, and optimistic. Many of you are also multi-talented and multi-skilled. With these traits, it is easy to conclude that getting a job is easy for Generation Y but the truth is quite the opposite. Recent data shows that the rate of unemployment among Generation Y is now almost 13% which is higher than the overall rate in the US for the past several years. Youth unemployment in Europe is on the rise. A recent article in the guardian shows a unemployment rate of 59.2% in Greece, closely followed by Spain at 56.4 %. These numbers are staggering. Its sends shivers down me to think that the people who will shape our futures do not have avenues to show your creativity and potential.
The main culprit in my opinion is the slow-moving economy. Opportunities in the corporate world are not as many as they used to be. And most of the jobs that are available do not appeal to the ambitious and often uncompromising members of Gen Y. But this does not mean that as the creators of tomorrow you have to become despondent and give up. Below are eight career tips that you can follow if you are young and struggling with your professional life.
1. Get some experience, fast!
So your dream job is not available or maybe you don’t know what it is yet. That’s not an excuse to slack. Go get a job – any job – even if it is just volunteer work. Employers put a lot of value in the experience of potential employees.
2. Go beyond the Internet.
The problem with having the Internet as your nanny is that you tend to depend too much on it sometimes. There’s a world outside your computer and applying online is not the only way to get a job. Building networks outside the Internet can lead you to your dream career.
3. Don’t be a copycat.
Exposure to many different personalities may cause you to lose your real self. Take care of personal branding by always being yourself. To paraphrase Judy Garland, it is better to be a first rate version of yourself than to be a second rate version of another person.
4. You need a mentor, go find one.
You may have the right knowledge and the skills but you still need help, especially from older individuals. The wisdom that comes with age can never be denied. If you want to succeed, it is wise to listen to those who have been through you are currently going through.
5. There is no shortcut to success.
Many members of Generation Y feel that they are entitled to automatic promotion because of their qualities and training. Truth is, you still need to climb the corporate ladder and you have to start at the bottom.
6. It’s OK to say no.
You may be good but you still can’t do it all so learn to say no.
7. Follow your heart.
Sure, you are interested in many things but it is essential to find what really makes your heart sing. I hear so much that following the heart will not make you a living let alone achieve your dreams. I believe this is a voice of people who have stopped believing in themselves. While you should not ignore reality, it is very important to dream and work towards fulfilling your dreams. I’d rather live a life where I tried and failed rather than not try at all.
8. Never, ever give up.
Times may be tough but things will get better. This may sound cliched but the fact is this is the truth. Economies have a cycle and we WILL recover from this. And those who hang in there and use the time to gain experience and skills will be the ones to benefit from it. Believe in yourself, take concrete action and have patience.