Take Charge! 5 Key Strategies Gen Z Need to Up their Game

Today’s educators, parents, youth workers, and researchers are saying many things about our Gen Zers and their beliefs, however, this generation is telling us a different story. Generation Z are forcing corporations to alter how they brand, communicate and run their organizations. When I address parents, educators, and corporate leaders, I ask them to recognize that Gen Zers are creating new rules that are getting us to think deeper about their viewpoints. For example, issues on things like race, gender identity, environment, entitlement and social justice. Say what you may, they are more empowered and informed, due in part because of social media, technology, and their no “barriers mindsets.” Their energy arrives at a crucial moment in history. They are the real disrupters.

Despite these influences that are mainly driven by the wide adoption of technology, Gen Zers are still needing to learn and implement key strategies to increase their potential to be hired, get into college, or launch a start-up venture. In this blog series of 3, I will share key strategies that will help Gen Z students, their parents and educators better connect and understand what they can do to be successful in achieving more together.

Let’s begin with 5 Key Strategies that the Gen Zers Need to Up their Game. These are 5 key strategies from my observations, teaching experiences,  and interviews with Generation Z – – many of whom are already in the workforce.

1. Take charge of your Journey. Think of your journey as though its your first solo road trip. Chances are you have dreamed of what a road trip may look like – -the places you want to see and the people you want to visit. Like a road trip, Gen Zers need a map as they approach their college, careers, and life. When taking charge of your life and your future, it’s important to understand that building lasting relationships with a broad group of people is very important. Your “network” can serve as a sounding board to guide you on the correct path; just as a map will direct your travels on your journey.
2. Surround yourself with professionals. Other than your parents, it will be critical that you build a trusted relationship with professionals who have your best interests in mind and who will tell you the truth, not matter how difficult it may be. These folks will serve you very well in your growth and development.
   • Life Coach: meet regularly with this very special person. Someone who can guide you, listen to you, but most of all, this individual will help you find the tools that’ll you need to help yourself.
   • College Counselor: this person will help you navigate through what today is known as a very complex process. Whether your entering an undergraduate program, or graduate school…it’s not not easy. College has many moving parts, and a Counselor can help you assemble the the pieces to the puzzle to help you thrive in your college experience.
   • Career Coach: a career coach should assist you in discovering your strengths, interests and help you seek internship opportunities. Gen Zers need experience before graduating High School and certainly should have secured between 2-3 internships before completing college.
3. Create a Timeline. A timeline should document your accomplishments the past 3 years. Examples are; what you learned, how did you grow? what influenced your growth?  Within your timeline, think of how you overcame some challenges. It is important to think back and assess your accomplishments, whether good or not.  Write down what you want to achieve in the next 3 years. Set clear goals. In essence, look at the past, live in the moment, but plan for the future.
4. Dream! They say dreaming is free, so why not dream big. We all dream, but when you do, try very hard to write your dreams in a journal. Dreams are the fuel of your success. Take definitive action on your dreams. Your dreams can be the game changers in your life, so make sure to believe in your dreams, and don’t allow anyone to be your dream killer.
5. Three magical words: I need help! Too many young people think they know it all. Let your pride down, and leverage your professional network for guidance and support.  When in doubt ask for help.  Many Gen Zers think they can take on everything. They assume they know how to handle every situation; the truth is that experiential learning and discovery will almost always teach you more than sitting in a classroom, but you can’t know all things, at all times—Ask for help!

In my next series, I’ll be focusing on parents and sharing ways they can take charge in making the right decisions that’ll help them align with their Gen Z children.

1 of 3 in a series for youth, parents and educators – Next Series 2!

ABOUT BIZNOVATOR:
BIZNOVATOR is a youth empowerment platform that offers a year-round experience for young people interested in entrepreneurship, social innovation and global leadership. Through our seminars, workshops, summer camps and in school Academies, BIZNOVATOR helps young people to DISCOVER their purpose, TRANSFORM their mindset and CONNECT to their future.  We have recently launched our Online Learning Platform, www.mybiznovator.com which enables young people from all over the world to experience our unique BIZNOVATOR programs. We invite you to join us!

Juan Pablo Casimiro is Founder and CEO of BIZNOVATOR. With more than 30 years of empowering youth and adults globally, Casimiro never misses a moment to teach, coach and challenge his clients to live their dreams. Casimiro was born in Dominican Republic and grew up in New York City.