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Preparing for the Millennials
April 10, 2006
In just a few weeks, this year’s class of summer associates will start trickling into your offices. If you’re getting prepared for the Millennials, take some time to learn just a little about them.
Born between the 1976 and 1974, the Millennials are the generational cohort that will soon occupy offices across the country. Make note, the Millennials are not a carbon copy of Generation X (born between 1964 and 1976), also known as the “throw away generation.” The Millennials are the beneficiaries of a back-lash against hands-off parenting. Increasing numbers of their mothers opted to stay at home throughout their childhoods. And their fathers were involved in their upbringing. In fact, one study reports that in 1993, 90% of fathers attended the births of their children as contrasted to only 10% in 1975.
This intense parental involvement may create some unique challenges for workplaces. During this spring, I’ve had the opportunity to present at several law schools. More than once I heard stories of Millennial parents who interjected themselves into career services offices, often attempting to become actively involved in scheduling interviews for their children. These behaviors are likely to continue, and in fact, I’ve now read several accounts of parents approaching employers with concerns about their child’s performance reviews, salaries and bonuses.
As you market your firm to the most desirable summer associates, keep all of this in mind. You may wish to extend to your marketing efforts to encompass the summer’s parents, too.
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