Millennials are on track to become the most educated generation we’ve ever had, according to Pew Research[i]. By 2025, they will account for 75 percent of the global workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. So what does this mean if you’re a millennial job seeker? Simply put, it means that the workplace is changing, it means that opportunity will abound, and it means that the future looks bright.

Credit the likes of Google, Facebook, and a bevy of other tech companies who hire Millennials in droves, and you’ll see that Millennials are changing the workplace landscape as we know it. For starters, Millennials are deemed “non-traditional” in the sense that they are not satisfied by the simple, go to work, go home, wake up the next morning, go to work, and go home routine. Millennials are making things happen in a different way.

They are all about adopting the right culture, setting goals for themselves, and working in jobs that are meaningful. If you’re a Millennial who is in the workforce now, you know as well as I do that the live, work, play, learn, aspect of a community is key to your lifestyle – you not only want to work hard, but you want to play hard. You know that being involved in projects that make a difference in your industry is more important to you than simply doing the same thing day in, and day out.

What does this mean if you’re an employer seeking Millennial talent? Well, for starters, it means that retaining Millennial talent should be of the utmost importance to you. The average tenure of a Millennial employee is only two years! Millennials are not satisfied with jobs that do not allow for professional development. If you’re a boss who manages Millennials in your workplace, the best thing to do is to invest in the personal and professional growth of this talent pool. Can you guess what the number one reason for Millennials to leave their current job is? It’s because of their boss. They do not like to be micromanaged, instead, they want to be mentored and coached – give me a task or problem to solve, provide me with the right tools/processes, and let me go to work.

So in the grand scheme of things what does this all mean? If you’re an employer, you need to make sure that your Millenial employees feel supported and valued by leadership. Value your employees, and they will place value in your business. If you’re a Millenial, be flexible. Your first employer will most likely not be your last, so make sure you continue to grow professionally, to work towards your goals, and to continue to make long-lasting meaningful relationships with people who can help you grow. Adopt an attitude of gratitude, and keep pushing towards your goals like never before!

[i] "Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change." Pew Research Center Social & Demographic Trends. N.p., 24 Feb. 2010. Web. 22 Aug. 2016.

Richard Martin is a Project Manager with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, working with employers to provide expertise and connections to talent resources, partners, programs, and funding sources to companies as part of the MEDC's business attraction, retention, and development efforts.

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Dart is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer at their facility in Mason. Click on the link to learn more about this position and how to apply.