MPW Insider is one of several online communities where the biggest names in business answer timely career and leadership questions. Today’s answer for: What is one piece of advice all millennials should take before entering the workforce? Is written by Erica Dhawan, co-author of “Get Big Things Done” and CEO of Cotential.
There is no question that millennials are the most informed generation in history. They are poised to respond constructively to global issues and become the next generation of global leaders. And unlike previous generations, they don’t have to wait 10 years into their careers to be relevant to the change that is needed. Millennials have the resources to revolutionize how business is done — it just takes knowing how to use them and where to apply them:
Teach older generations about the power of social media
Millennials know that social media is more than just socializing, it’s about using digital tools to allow us to crowd-source, brainstorm ideas, connect globally and solve problems in different ways. Online communities have the power to change the world and bring issues to the forefront of people’s minds. Share these tools with others to start a movement, get a product noticed or radically streamline costs in your business.
Join large organizations
Knowing that your ideas matter and wanting them to be heard doesn’t necessarily mean you have to join a start-up or go out on your own as an entrepreneur. You can also create value and carve out a space for yourself in a large company. There is something to be said for working within the system, even if it’s a system you want to change. Working in a large organization gives you stability and let’s you see the value in being part of a collective group. These types of organizations power our country, they develop the next breakthrough medicines and services that we depend on. You can be part of this.
Don’t reinvent the wheel
It’s important to remember that while you may have something to teach older generations, you can also learn from their wisdom. In order to be heard, we all don’t have to reinvent the wheel. In fact, a lot of people waste time creating new structures for themselves, when structures already exist that they could fit into. If you do enter a large organization, don’t be afraid to make yourself known and push the envelope.
Your ideas matter. Go into the business world and infuse it with the freshness of the millennial mindset.
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