There’s a stereotype that millennials are lazy and expect everything to be handed to them. In my experience, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I cannot speak for all millennials, but I am optimistic about my future. Think about it: I have my whole life ahead of me. I enjoy my current job and am looking forward to building on my experience to further my career. What’s not to like about this sense of freedom and exploration?
Of course, challenges lay ahead of me. Some will come faster than others. Â
Like many graduates, student loans are hanging over my head. I’m glad for the six-month grace period after graduation. There are also several different repayment plans available for federal loans. However, paying off these student loans will still impact my financial future. Like many Americans, I want to eventually buy my own house. That may be more difficult considering the amount of debt I have taken on to gain a good education.
The way ahead for me, as well as for others in my generation, is getting a job and saving. I am fortunate to have a solid job in journalism, my industry. But, for millennials, finding a decent job doesn’t automatically guarantee an opportunity to save a lot of money. With the rising cost of living, along with other expenses like a phone plan and Internet access, it is getting harder to save consistently. This should get easier as my career progresses, but I am currently pinching pennies. Those student loans are waiting for me.
Fast-changing economy
The way ahead also involves being able to swim in a fast-changing economy, one that is digital, rewards knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is also hyper-competitive. Today’s work force — especially in media — is required to have a broader range of skills than past generations.
The way ahead also involves being able to swim in a fast-changing economy, one that is digital, rewards knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is also hyper-competitive.
Having a plethora of digital skills can be a big plus on your resume. Many jobs require computer, Internet and social media literacy. In journalism, there is also an increasing demand for data reporting. With advancing technology, there is a higher demand for employees not just with basic technology skills, but also with more technical and advanced coding knowledge or deep interest and insight in social media branding and audience-targeting.
Journalism is indicative of these big changes. Automation and technological advances do take away jobs, yet those same technologies give us more opportunities. Automating stories covering straight-forward subjects like quarterly earnings reports frees up a skilled reporter to focus on a more complicated, in-depth story.
With advancing technology, there is a higher demand for employees not just with basic technology skills, but also with more technical and advanced coding knowledge or deep interest and insight in social media branding and audience-targeting.
SMU prepared me for this changing industry, which is what we need schools and colleges doing. Colleges and high schools need to teach students to be versatile and think fast on their feet. Far beyond journalism, the economy requires people who can innovate and solve problems. Â
