Millennials get a bad rep. Everyone seems to say that (to us).
But really, we’re all just doing what we can — doing the best we can to thrive!
But who seem to be the purveyors of the “Millennials are [insert negative]” narrative? For the most part, older generations. Conversely, who gives us the most career advice? Older generations…
I think it’s time we — Generation Y — as the new majority, the present and future of our world, begin giving each other advice.
And so, in aid of this, I’ve begun a new series: Advice FOR Millennials, BY Millennials.
For this first installation, I spoke with a self-made media maven, the CEO of a next-generation Manhattan real estate firm, and a Naturopathic doctor — Millennials all!
David Walker
Co-Founder & CEO, TripleMint
David Walker is the co-founder and CEO of Manhattan real estate firm TripleMint. After dropping out of Yale and joining the tech startup world, David partnered with his friend and co-founder Philip Lang to take on the hyper-competitive Manhattan real estate industry, founding TripleMint in 2011.
I dropped out of Yale to start my real life early, and it was one of the better decisions I’ve made. Millennials have a bad reputation as job-hoppers, but I think that comes from the speed at which technology has allowed our communications and business interactions to take place. But what’s great about that is, Millennials can handle change — and quick change at that — really well. There’s this massive generational shift in thinking happening right now — previous generations came up in a time when finding a career was an easier, simpler process. Millennials look for so much more when seeking a career and I think we can harness that; we want purpose, and values, and clear mission statements, and social responsibility. Our mission at TripleMint is to help people buy and rent homes in a streamlined, super transparent way — it’s the Millennial way to find a home!
- The most important word in the old adage of “find your passion” is find. Stay curious! Life is about the journey, and it doesn’t matter how quickly you get there — what matters is what you’ve learned along the way.
- Success is really all about who’s left standing. Keep pushing until you’re successful — I believe the tendency to jump around careers, although tempting in our current system, is often a mistake.
- Never underestimate human-to-human connections. Looking someone in the eye and shaking hands with them is an interaction that will never be topped by an email. Not in a million years.
Amy Levin
Founder & Director, College Fashionista
Amy Levin created College Fashionista in 2009 as an outlet for fashion die-hards still in college, with content that utilized street style, vintage finds and consignment gold. College Fashionista is present in more than 500 college campuses worldwide and hosts a massive 1,500+ Millennial contributors.
As an entrepreneur, I think it was critical for me that I had a clear vision of what I wanted my company to stand for and where I wanted it to go. You must be able to make decisions even with imperfect information, and you need to provide your team with the proper tools and resources to succeed.
- Disconnect from technology and reconnect with reality. Leave your phone in your desk for meetings or in your bag on a coffee chat.
- Learn to commit. Especially when it comes to your career, give yourself time to develop skills and create your own impact within your role.
- Stop taking things personally. There will always be co-workers you like and those you don’t; if you need to vent, create your own calming method to relax and don’t gossip or complain. No one is ever criticized for being professional.
Dr. Maria Geyman
Certified Naturopathic Doctor, Remède Naturopathics
Dr. Geyman is the first nationally accredited, Naturopathic doctoral resident in the state of New York. She earned her Naturopathic medical degree from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and practices in the West Village in Manhattan.
I started medical school straight out of college, then realized I didn’t want to participate in our conventional medical system, then took a year off, and finally decided to attend a Naturopathic medical school. Now, I love my job! Since every patient is different my days are never boring, and since new research on natural medicine continuously emerges, there’s always more for me to learn. I think sustainability, health, beauty and great food are integral to a good life, so I picked a profession that addresses all of them!
- Try doing something that matters. Times are hard for planet earth — what are you going to do about it? Life is short; you might as well do something you care about along the way!
- Do your research before starting a new job. Call, e-mail, or better yet, chat in person with anyone who is doing what you want to do. Do they seem happy? Do they have the kind of lifestyle that you want for yourself? These are important questions you should ask yourself.
- Know what you’re talking about. Read everything you can get your hands on; find a mentor and ask questions; admit when you don’t know the answer and rectify the situation!
Originally published at medium.com