by Andrea Losa (Millennial Latina)
In an article on the Business 2 Community website, “Why Should Your Company Hire Generation Y Employees?” author Nathan Rossiter highlights a number of advantages that companies should not overlook when considering Generation Y candidates for employment. Rossiter describes a generation that, while perhaps a bit too eager for praise and recognition due to the doting influence of previous generations, is also hard working, collaborative, and tech savvy. While these attributes apply well to most members of this generation who have been born or at least raised in the U.S., there is a key segment of the generation for whom a unique set of qualities also applies: the Hispanic Millennials. A profile of America’s Gen Y produced by MetLife cited U.S. Census Bureau statistics that show that, in 2009, Hispanics accounted for 19% of this generation. To recognize what sets apart the Hispanic Millennial segment of the generation, which accounts for a greater percentage than any other minority group, will provide a hiring advantage to conscientious employers.
While Generation Y as a whole has a much stronger work ethic than is often attributed to them, the Hispanic Millennial segment, as a group, possesses what is perhaps the strongest work ethic of any subset of this generation. As a whole, Hispanic Millennials were raised by working class parents and grandparents, some of whom immigrated to the U.S. willing to make sacrifices to provide better opportunities for their children and grandchildren. As Hispanic Millennials have come of age and made personal and professional progress, they no doubt have kept in mind the hard work and sacrifice of their elders. Hispanic Millennials understand as well as any members of their generation that there exist no guarantees in the professional world and are willing to work to work as hard as their relatives have to provide for future opportunities.
Because Gen Y’s entry into the workforce coincided with two U.S. recessions, many members of this generation have had to reexamine their expectations and priorities. This has made for a generation that is willing to work its way up for future opportunity. Mirroring a trend that is not uncommon among Hispanic families with adult children who are not yet married or financially secure, Rossiter’s article cites a Monster.com survey that showed that, as of 2009, around 40% of 2008 college graduates lived with their parents, perhaps while working to save money for their own homes. This housing situation would allow for more time for career growth and perhaps demonstrates a willingness among members of this generation, particularly the Hispanic Millennials, to seek work opportunities for reasons other than immediate financial benefits, provided that these opportunities allow for eventual growth. Employers looking for long-term employees who will invest a good deal of time and energy into their corporations might find Hispanic Millennials the most willing and eager to fill those roles.
In addition to these qualities, Hispanic Millennials as a group still possess the technical facility, the collaborative mindset, and the willingness to collaborate and learn from others. In fact, many of the more positive attributes that Generation Y has demonstrated mirror attitudes and values held in Hispanic households. And like Hispanics in the workforce, Generation Y will be one that certainly leaves its mark.