Generation-Y has a lot to learn about growing up. People nowadays are so wrapped up in themselves they forgot how to learn and to grow. There is a sense of entitlement amongst people recently, and work ethic seems to have been tossed out the windows.
The rest of my life remains right around the corner as my anxiety levels skyrocket to an immeasurable high. There are so many paths one could take in life and having to choose as an eighteen year old makes it even more difficult.
Grades are no longer the most important aspect when applying to prospective job opportunities. While competing with hundreds or thousands of other people, your resume better be pristine with an animated personality to match.
Internships are also becoming an important staple in your work experiences. Everywhere you look, you see people getting internships with companies in the big cities you have been hearing about since your freshman year of college. How did they even hear about this internship? How did they apply? Where do I begin? It is all about doing your research.
No one is going to hand you a sterling silver platter with dozens of opportunities on it of your choice. If you want something, go out and get it. This whole mentality that you do not need to work hard to become successful is just embarrassing to our generation and ultimately will come to bite us in the ass later.
Over the past year, I have had a handful of internships as well as even more opportunities I have turned down. Is it because I am a 4.0 GPA child prodigy at an Ivy League school? Absolutely not. It is because I know what I want to gain from life and I know exactly what to do to go about achieving those goals. Nothing has been handed to me thus far in life, at least not when discussing opportunities in the workplace.
Another important thing to remember is that, whether you believe it or not, there are many people out their willing to help you…and it would be foolish not to take advantage of that. Although we may live in a society where everyone is out to only better himself or herself, there are those who do not live their lives that way. I have had several mentors and role models who truly cared about my best interest and have helped me along the way. Look around; you will see people like that around you as well.
Utilize all your special talents because chances are that is what will make you stand out from remaining just another name on a resume. Anything you think an employer might want to know about you…make sure they know. Even past jobs matter that do not relate to the position like those several consecutive years you were a camp counselor. Guess what? It shows consistency and leadership qualities. Do not hide anything that puts you in a positive light and illuminates your great qualities.
Confidence goes a long way, too. However, there is a fine line between confidence and cockiness, and it is easy to detect. Be sure of yourself, do not walk in there knowing you got the position though because that will typically lead you to letting your guard down and not performing as well.
If you will take anything out of this just remember to be yourself, be confident, and do not sit around waiting for life to just happen and fall into place. Look at other success stories for motivation and advice. Most importantly be sure of yourself…you got this.
Michael Kaye | Elite.
Photo Courtesy: Tumblr
