Millennials admit, albeit not out loud that they have few limitations. Many of them I met are aware that they lack few fundamentals to move forward. I believe that Millennials are typically more interested than previous generations in finding a mentor. They view guides/mentors as meaningful contributors to their personal growth. They have grown up with the mindset that one must take the advice of other, and social media has juiced up this belief. 

Agreed, we (Gen X) have knowledge/experience that demands to be shared, so do Millennials, they are well informed in the usage of social media. In today’s world, not many of them have fenced themselves to offices and work settings for searching mentors. Millennials are active on LinkedIn as it provides immediate access to industry professionals. Don’t be surprised if you notice that your profile on LinkedIn is viewed by an unknown and soon you get a connection request.

Exactly three months back, a young person viewed my LinkedIn profile, and then he approached me for a mentoring chat. Given my background in L&D, I felt well placed – and I was also trained as both a mentor and a coach. I preferred meeting him in person, but it was not possible, so we decided to use SKYPE. My mentee was in need of a job. After passing his hotel school he started looking around for opportunities, and he found a temporary work placement. But once that ended, he was unemployed for four months. That period was tough for him. He had a coach, and as per him he was supportive who kept him motivated, but in truth, he wasn’t moving forward. On the other hand, from past few months, I’m going through a transition period as I’m busy with finalizing my next career move and I cannot deny the importance of my mentor in helping me to cross this period smoothly. Thus, I could easily empathise with him, and I could feel what this person was going through, so my first reaction was “yes, let’s meet!”

During our first meeting, we defined our boundaries. This session ensured that our expectations were not too high and he was aware that I’m only volunteering as a mentor to assist him in finding the employment. We met four times in three months. Displaying true empathy was the key during this period, because of this, I got connected with him on an emotional level, that made him feel understood, safe and respected. After our meetings, he took steps to build some of his personal disciplines. Awareness precedes change – he followed up on the acts he needed to put together and all these acts piled together raised confidence in him, perhaps the old African proverb says it best, “when spider web unite, they tie up a lion.” And, when he went for the interview, I texted him to wish him good luck – and told him ‘You are almost there, give your best!’, in return, he sent me a thumbs up and a smiley face on a WhatsApp. Last week he found out he’d got the placement, he phoned me up, screaming with excitement! The pleasure he felt at that moment made it all worthwhile for me.

His placement has finished now. This experience has really put me in touch with what it is like to be a mélange of young and unemployed in today’s world. Nevertheless, the pressure is not always a bad thing, it inspires you to achieve great ends, especially when your backs are up against the wall and you are forced to tap into the source of human potential that are store within you. Also, It has broadened my understanding – I can see a disconnect between the worlds of education and employment. I think part of the answer is to give young people a better insight into the world of work. As the market is tepid, companies need a value proposition, not a resume, i.e. what value you will bring to the organisation not alone your skills, interest, your goals and your achievements.

Frankly, none of us need to have experience in working with Millennials. Each young person is different, which can sometimes be a little bit challenging, but the outcomes can be extremely rewarding.

Follow @TripatMehrotra www.Deants.org for more content.