Can You Train Millennials?

Millennial is becoming the main trendy word at the beginning of this year. This subject is getting more and more attention as the people included in this generation are becoming active members of society. The name Millennial describes members of the generation born between the early 1980s and the early 2000’s. This subject is getting a lot more traction in the media as the Millennials became the largest generation in the United States, representing roughly one-third of the total population. While some members of this generation are still continuing their education in either high school or college, many of them are now beginning their careers. According to research conducted by Psychology Today, “Seventy-five percent of the world’s employees today are young people (i.e., Millennials)” and this situation is raising new challenges in the corporate world.

Beyond the fact that this generation is now representing the majority of the workforce, the key factor to understand this new generation of workers is the way they got through school and the world in which they have grown up. This is the first generation to have access to the Internet during their formative years. They have seen the world change; they experienced the revolution of information technologies at the time that they were developing their skills and knowledge.  According to whitehouse.gov “Millennials are more connected to technology than previous generations and a quarter of Millennials believe that their relationship to technology is what makes their generation unique.” Many companies have recognized the need for technology and have begun turning to members of this generation to help stay current.

Even if this generation is facing some pull back from senior executives when it comes to new ideas, businesses understood really fast that hiring Millennials would be the only way for them to be able to market to this very generation. But this generation raises a new challenge to the academic world as a matter of professional development. The employees of this generation are bringing new knowledge and new skills to the table. But what is the kind of training that these millennials are looking for?   It will be capital for professional development providers to understand the new needs of Millennials as a matter of training. Cutting edge training such as digital advertising, social media marketing, search engine optimization, and app developer will be among the list of skills that this new generation of workers will be looking for. Another path to explore is entrepreneurship training, given the fact that more than 80% of the Millennials surveyed by Elance-oDesk declared that they were considering leaving their job. The way of providing training will also change. There is a great chance that this generation that grew up with the Internet, will be looking for online training.

While there are still many challenges to be met, no other generation has been better equipped or had more opportunities than the upcoming Millennials. They are skilled with technology, determined and more educated than any previous generation. While Millennials are still in the early stages of joining the workforce, they have the potential to make a lasting impact on the economy for years to come, with the right training. At Bama At Work, we are embracing this change and we keep on improving our classes every day in order to provide the most up-to-date training to every generation.

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Article by Kevin Lake, Communications Specialist for The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies. Kevin also  currently serves as the Vice President of Communications for the Public Relations Council of Alabama West Alabama division.

Why Coaching is Important to the Business World.

 

Since the 90s coaching has been gaining in popularity. Originally, executives hired their own coach to become even more successful. However, in recent years, coaching has become more widely known in all levels of management. Coaches are hired to assist with training employees to become more effective leaders, enhance their management skills, communication skills, and to improve conflict resolution abilities.

The coaching relationship is a collaborative relationship based upon mutual trust and respect. It focuses on what clients want in their career future and it is a very results-oriented process. The client is seen as whole, competent, and resourceful, not someone who has to be fixed or healed. The purpose of coaching is to empower clients to find their own answers, to deepen their self-awareness and their learning. This is accomplished through the process of what is called appreciative inquiry, or the coach asking thoughtful, open-ended questions. Through the power of the coaching relationship, clients create a vision of what they want; they explore options or increase their possibilities to resolve a particular situation. They then implement a plan to achieve their goals. One of the best benefits of coaching is that it provides an accountability partner. The client is responsible for setting the agenda for the coaching sessions, doing the work and taking the actions necessary to achieve wanted goals.

During this whole process, the coach provides support for the client and “holds on to” the client’s agenda. In some instances, the coach believes in the clients more than the clients believe in themselves. Another great benefit of coaching is that the coach listens deeply to the client. In this way, the client is empowered by the coach to have more confidence, value themselves more, and gain a new perspective on a situation. What I tell my clients is the old adage, “Two heads are better than one.” The power of the collaborative relationship assists clients in reaching their ultimate future goals, one step at a time

The International Coach Federation (ICF) has provided some recent statistics on the benefits of coaching. The ICF found that coaching brings a number of benefits. “Professional coaching maximizes potential, and therefore unlocks latent sources of productivity.” Persons surveyed stated that 70% experienced improved work performance, 61% improved business management, 57% improved time management, and 51% improved team effectiveness.

Individuals using a coach enjoy an 80% improvement in self-confidence, 73% have improved relationships, 72% have improved communication skills, and 67% have improved life/work balance. According to the ICF, the vast majority of companies say they have at least made their investment back (86%). Furthermore, 99% of people surveyed who hired a coach are somewhat or very satisfied with their experience. A total of 96% of people would repeat the process.

Bama At Work is proud to offer the  Workplace Coaching Academy, a program designed to maximize the potential of leaders to deliver results in a constantly changing workplace. In this program participants will learn to influence at greater levels within their organization through the use of coaching. For more information about the Workplace Coaching Academy, professional development and career improvement please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + , LinkedIn or visit our website .

Article by Linda Levin, Professional Certified  Coach and instructor for the Workplace Coaching Academy at The University of Alabama, Bama At Work.  Linda works with with leaders, partners and groups to accomplish their professional and personal goals. Her years of experience have taught her that the key to lasting and authentic change lies in the relationship between core personal values and inherent strengths .

7 Tips for Veterans Looking for Jobs.

I can think of a few things offhand to get a veteran started on a job search based on my personal job hunting history over the years and from having scanned recent postings on popular military related newsletters.  This article represents my extemporaneous thoughts only.  Get a paper and pen or the electronic gadget of your choice and jot down some lists for yourself on the following topics:  You’ll be surprised at what you already know when you see it in print.

1. Take stock of your assets. This would include your education and any credentials in specific subjects.  Add up your pre-military employment experience.  Write down your military job titles, but as you do, sit down and break down all the skills and experiences that you acquired in those positions.  I see a lot of postings on popular internet sites for veterans and spouses that encourage them to translate military-based skills into their component parts as they would apply to civilian work.  (When communicating with civilian employers, don’t use acronyms).  For example, skilled labor and technical jobs in the military have skill sets that could be adapted to civilian labor markets.  Things like supervision of others, budgeting, computer skills, people skills, communication skills are all transferable to civilian jobs.

2. Outline what you want/require in a job. Ask yourself whether you have a specific career in mind and whether you are limited to a certain geographic region.  If you have a spouse and/or children, think about any consequences of a geographic move.  Given that, how far are you willing to go geographically?  Also, ask yourself; what is the minimum salary you need, and how many hours a week are you willing to work?  List your ten dream jobs.  Also note some jobs you would hate or never consider.

3. Think about all the resources available to you for networking and information. Start with all the people you know from the military and any previous workplaces.  Call them.  Ask around.  Ask friends and family.  Put the word out on the street that you are on the job market.  Don’t forget good old newspaper want ads and classified trade papers.  Look at every resource available for veterans’ employment.  Look for job fairs in your area.  Look at Military OneSource.  Look at VA sponsored services.  Check out Vet Center Readjustment Counseling service.  In addition to behavioral health programs, they offer “Employment counseling and guidance” (www.VetCenter.va.gov).  Contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Center near you even if you do not have a disability.  They provide vocational evaluation, testing and counsel regarding retraining and exploration of your employment skills and interests.  Look at some of the websites that market to veterans.  If you do not find the assistance you seek at one place, ask if they can make suggestions of other resources.  Local employment offices list jobs and also help you align your experience and education with potential careers.  Do not give up.  One thing leads to another.

4. Thou Shalt Not Rely Solely on Internet Postings and Internet Applications. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who said that a great job can be found just by putting a resume online and answering internet want ads.

5. Market yourself. If you can identify a few employers with the kind of job you are seeking, go to them even if they are not posting an opening.  Ask for an informational interview.  Bring an immaculately edited resume printed on good stationery.  Present yourself professionally, i.e., with clean clothes, combed hair and a good attitude.  Show them the maturity and strong work ethic they expect from a military member, but demonstrate that you are personable and flexible; the kind of person they want on board.  Learn something about the company first and then tell them why you want to work there.  Ask to be contacted if they have a job opening come up.  Be willing to start small.  If someone tells you that you need more education or a certain credential for a job you want, ask if they could take you on in a lesser position while you pursue that credential.  Consider volunteer work or unpaid internship as a way to build work history and make yourself indispensable.

6. Consider creating a job for yourself. Military spouses are doing a good bit of this these days.  If you have a skill you can market, consider being a self-employed contractor.  Some people start up craft businesses or eBay stores, dog walking or house-sitting services.  People are finding some creative ways to have portable self–employment.  Do not pay money to anyone on the internet offering to set you up in something like this.  With all things internet, use caution and get advice from someone who you trust who is knowledgeable and competent.”  Using the internet or not, there are grants and mentoring available for veteran entrepreneurs.  Bama At Work at The University of Alabama, for example, is offering an entrepreneurial education program for veterans called Kauffman Fasttrac.  In Alabama learn more at 205-348-9066 or 205-348-9937 or contact FASTTRAC.ORG/VETERANS 877-450-9800.

7. Lastly, look around at what areas have more openings than people to fill them. This can be on a local or national level.  Above all, Persist, Persist, Persist.   And don’t give up either.  Find friends and family who will encourage and inspire you if you begin to get discouraged.  To get you started, here is a list of the top 10 hardest jobs to fill in the U.S. as adapted from a post on Military.com :

• Skilled Trades –
• Restaurant and Hotel Staff –
• Sales Reps –
• Teachers-
• Drivers –
• Accounting and Finance –
• Laborers –
• IT Staff –
• Engineers –
• Nurses –

Military Service Veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce may face challenges demonstrating how their military experience relates to the career opportunity they are seeking. However, as hiring managers and HR professionals, being aware of these issues can help you bridge this gap as you integrate talented Veterans into your organization.This conference ,dedicated to the process of transition ,will be held at the Bryant Conference Center on December 2-3, 2014.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and visit our website for more info and news about veteran careers, veterans issues and the transition process.

Article by Kimberly (Kim) Granda Anderson . Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, graduated with a Master in Social Work from The University of Alabama in 1997 and is pursuing a doctoral degree with a research concentration in military families.  She worked in therapeutic foster care and multiple aspects of adult mental health. and is now a member of the Service Member to Civilian Summit advisory committee.