VAA Spring/Summer 2020

10 SPRING/SUMMER 2020 My name is Yetnayet Kenaw. I am a student at Randolph Macon College, completing my degree in Business Management. As a young adult in the 21st century, I am con- sidered a millennial and planning to join the full- time workforce this May. My parents immigrated to the States while in their twenties, and I was raised here along with my two brothers. My parents discovered that my older brother had autism at a very young age. As I spent time helping to care for my brother through our adolescent years, I became his confidant and companion. Because of this experience, I matured quicker than my peers and initially joined the work- force when I was sixteen. As a millennial, I am part of a generation that continues to grow and dominate the workplace. In the year 2020, millennials will WOULD I WORK FOR YOU? One College Senior’s Opinion on Choosing an Employer account for half of the workforce and will have a substantial impact on the economy. As we enter the highly competitive job market, companies must identify the factors that will create the next generation of global leaders while securing the knowledge millennials bring to the table. When it comes to millennials, there is no such thing as “business as usual.” Today’s leaders will have to develop a more compelling strategy to entice millennials to join their companies. Failure to use strategic foresight in recognizing future trends and taking timely actions to change “old school” philosophy to attract talented employees will result in falling behind the competition. For me, college is coming to an end, and the opportunity to choose who I work for and where I work is a new beginning. Graduat- ing from college is a challenge and a great achievement. Unfortunately, graduation can be weighed down by heavy baggage— debt. Having taken out loans for all four years of my college career, something that I and many like myself will be looking for in a company after graduating is some form of tuition assistance. Whether it’s reimburse- ment for an undergraduate degree or assistance in starting a master’s degree, a program like this can encourage loyalty while allowing employees to excel at work. Also, tuition assistance can provide a benefit to the company, in that it would increase competition with opposing employers in the workforce. Another important factor as I look to enter the full-time workforce is a technologically savvy work environment. The opportunity to use technological elements in our everyday work activities is so appealing to millennials. Anything from computer- based presentations, online courses, videos, drones, and any type of industry-specific continues on page 14 △ Yetnayet Kenaw, Senior, Randolph Macon College technology is a draw for my generation. Utilizing tech-based methods creates increased initiatives for millennials’ to work within teams and within the company structure. While working at my first job in the retail industry, employees were provided an iPod device to assist customers in the cost or location of a specific item. This technological advancement allowed us to excel in customer satisfaction ratings and create a fast-paced, customer-friendly environment. The average millennial seeks a structured organization where there are