This guest blog post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who
writes on the topics of online
universities. She welcomes
your comments at katherynrivas87@gmail.com.
As an executive, or at least an aspiring one, you've probably
been deeply embedded in the world of business for a considerable amount of
time. As such, you've developed the grace and general people skills required to
successfully coordinate and manage the millions of details inherent in
executive-level work.
Just recently, the media – both online and off – have been
abuzz with speculation about "Gen Y", especially as it pertains to
the workforce. Thousands of recent college graduates/ have flooded the job
market, all eagerly anticipating their first jobs. What with increased job
mobility, many hiring managers are currently seeking the young bloods, but Gen
Y's drawbacks are now also becoming increasingly apparent. Namely, younger
employees are taking social media to a level that has had an interfering effect
in the workplace.
As a member of the workforce looking for an executive
position, you should be aware of Generation Y's purported strengths
and weaknesses.
Since today's business-related social media was first developed by an age group
that ranges from 18 to 30, there are many skills to be picked up from this
cadre of hyper-connected Internet trailblazers.
For one, social networking sites thrive on consistent
communication and cultivation. Just like a garden, one's Internet presence
through such sites as LinkedIn and Facebook must be tended to constantly. You
should update your information and changes in your status as they occur; you
never know which important connection or company may overlook you just because
you haven't refreshed all pertinent aspects of your current career trajectory.
On the other hand, too much of such connectivity can have
disastrous consequences. Many companies hiring young college grads have
complained about a lack of focus, a burgeoning sense of entitlement, and a
monomania with gadgets. These habits are not simply a disease specific to those
born in the past three decades, however. While there are other influencing
factors to take into consideration, of course, connection
addiction is real and it can affect anyone. Be especially careful
when you are on the job hunt, a time when spending hours on the Internet
surfing for opportunities can easily becoming an addiction in and of
itself.
