Communications of the ACM
Predictions About the Future of Gen Y at Work
Credit: Lindsey Pollak
With the oldest members of Generation Y now entering their 30s and taking on more leadership positions, some significant changes are expected in the work world. Most importantly, companies are already expanding and lengthening the definition of "entry-level" positions to include individuals years removed from graduation. Titles and career paths will also become more customizable, reflecting the creativity and individuality of Gen Y members. Finally, in response to more flexible work patterns, standard business communication will evolve to include things like video teleconferencing.
Because members of Gen Y are extending the onset of adulthood into their mid-twenties or even age 30, companies will follow suit in treating the twenties as more of a career-training period. We will see expanded internship programs (perhaps lasting several years beyond college), more alumni career resources being offered by universities (so there is less pressure to choose a career by age 21) and longer corporate rotational programs — perhaps moving from two years to three or four. The days of graduating college and joining a company for life are long over, but we are only beginning to see companies develop creative new career path approaches.
From Lindsey Pollak
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