Next Generation Next Destination

NEXT GENERATION CAREERS: WHY THEY CHOOSE TECH

Perhaps it’s no surprise that men and women choose to major in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields for different reasons. A study released this month (September 2011) called “STEM Perceptions: Students and Parents Study” by Harris Interactive for Waggener Edstrom Worldwide and Microsoft, has some interesting finding on the differences.

The women’s top reason for choosing a STEM major was intellectual stimulation, while men chose those fields for “a good salary out of school.” A huge gender gap was revealed in what led them to their interest. For 68% of the women in the study it was a particular high school class or teacher that they credited with turning them on to the subject. That was true for only 5% of the men. Their experience with related games, toys, books or clubs was a significant factor for 51% of the men but only 35% of the women.

These findings could influence the teaching of the different genders and suggest the importance of high school teaching to attracting more women to the STEM fields. A combination of intellectual stimulation, role models and a welcoming culture would be likely to attract and retain more women.

It is important that those role models and inspirational teachers be men as well as women. How do we make men more comfortable with “sponsoring” women in their field?

Your thoughts?

Phyllis Weiss Haserot   www.pdcounsel.com 

 

GENERATIONAL DIVIDE RE: USE OF INTERNET IS CLOSING

According to a new report from Pew Internet and American Life – the 2010 Generations Report – age as a determining factor of technology and social media use seems to be losing significance.  While age continues to play a role in how individuals use the Internet, the Report found that age is no longer key in whether an individual uses the Internet.

The 2010 Generations Report found, among other things, that:

• Accessing health-related information online is now the third most popular online activity for all Internet users regardless of age. Previously, using the Internet for this purpose had been considered common only among older users;
• Internet users over the age of 34 were more likely to use the Internet to access government and financial information than those under the age of 34;
• The percentage of adults who watch video online jumped from 52% in 2008 to 66% in 2010; and
• Although social media/networking sites continue to be more popular with younger users, social media experienced its sharpest increase among older Internet users; namely, users age 74 and older.
• These online activities are becoming more uniformly popular across all age groups: e-mail, search engines, getting health information, following the news, researching or making purchases (including travel reservations), online banking, supplying reviews or ratings, donating to charity, and downloading podcasts.

Details about the Pew research results can be found here and here. 

As the use of technology increases among all demographics, clients will be less likely to hire professionals who are unfamiliar with technology and are non-users themselves. This is a key consideration in working and communicating with clients of a different generation. 

The Pew research documents the belief that we should no longer blindly assume that being tech-savvy means being young. Another piece of evidence that we must challenge our assumptions about age-related capabilities and preferences.

Phyllis Weiss Haserot

BOOMER-GEN Y BUSINESS LINK: CLOSING THE DIVIDE FOR PROFIT

Despite the so-called Boomer-Gen Y gap, there is much evidence of natural similarities and synergies. This  belief is backed up by a recent survey by Knowledge Networks for the Center for Work-Life Policy. Laura Sherbin, an economist with the Center said the two generations work together well because they both want autonomy and flexibility.

As reported in "Finding a Guide for Online Networking" by Elizabeth Pope in the New York Times (October 15, 2009), the survey of 1,5 95 people indicated that 40% of older adults had asked their younger colleagues for help with text messaging, iTunes, and social networking. In fact, there is a distinct phenomenon developing for the web-savvy to help their elder colleagues or even strangers build second careers online. Since over 40% of Generation Y participates in online social media, according to the research, they sometimes pick up and refer job leads they come across online to their elders.

The Times article relates some examples of young people helping Boomers and Traditionalists start businesses online. One Boomer interviewed got help from people in their 20s and 30s that she met through her local Chamber of Commerce and BNI International. They even gave her advice on managing clients and setting fees.

What's great about this generosity of the Gen Yers is their eagerness to share information with not only their peers, but anyone who is interested in and appreciates their help. That's got to be an optimistic sign for the future of work. I love it! Let's all, as individuals and organizations, capitalize on this cross-generational collaboration, reverse and mutual mentoring.

Please share examples of this phenomenon whether personally experienced (other than with children) or observed in the workplace.

Phyllis Weiss Haserot   www.pdcounsel.com