More on NEXT
This past week, I spoke on generational issues at two very different venues, a national conference for legal recruiters and a mid-sized law firm’s 100th anniversary celebration. During the course of both events, participants shared their own stories about Generation NEXT, people born in 1982 or after. Because a new class of NEXTers will begin to enter law firms and corporations in the next few weeks, I thought you might find two anecdotes particularly interesting.
One attribute that makes Generation NEXT unique is the presence of “helicopter parents.” These are the parents who have been and remain closely involved in their children’s lives. School career services offices have talked about these parents for years. They are the Moms and Dads of students who drop by career services to research possible employers and drop off résumés . . . because little Johnny or Suzy is pre-occupied with their school work and various extracurricular activities.
One legal recruiter shared their special helicopter parent story: A Mom who brought their son to a law firm for a series of off-campus interviews . . . . and stayed throughout the entire day. According to the recruiter, throughout the appointed day, each time a lawyer walked the recruit from one office to another and passed through the reception area, the mother jumped up and gave a slight wave.
As you plan for your upcoming summer recruits, consider two possible reactions to the helicopter parent phenomena. You could shake your head, toss up your hands and add “helicopter parents” to the list of items you need to discuss with management before the recruiters arrive. Alternatively, you may consider reaching out to these parents. Invite them to one event this summer. If an offer is extended at the end of the summer, host a reception for the offer recipients and their parents. Co-opting helicopter parents may be your best strategy.
Next week, I’ll share another recruiters experience regarding Generation NEXT and pay raises.
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