10 Benefits Young Professionals Bring to an Organization

Today's job market is unique and ever-changing. Layoffs, new technologies, industry growth, and economic conditions have all shaped the way that we work and find employment. While some companies and industries are experiencing growth and demand for skilled workers,?others are seeing a decline due to a number of factors. In this environment, job seekers need to learn how to market themselves effectively and be willing to learn new skills to stay competitive and succeed in their careers. At the same time, companies need to be innovative and responsive to changing market conditions to attract and retain top talent if they want to be competitive in today's global economy.?

Let's put on our hiring manager thinking caps for a second....

Your first option is Candidate A. Candidate A has the tenure and years of experience needed to fill your position timely but may have already hit their ceiling in terms of skillset and innovation. On the other hand, you have Candidate B, who may not check the "years of experience" box, but has the passion, skill set, and innovative repertoire to take your organization to the next level. Both come up with risks and upsides. Who are you going with??

Entering back into the job search market, I've learned quickly how competitive it is for young professionals still earlier in their careers, and after several conversations with peers, mentors, hiring managers, and career experts, I thought it might be helpful to share 10 benefits of hiring a young professional:

Fresh perspectives and innovative ideas

Most companies talk about how they want to innovate. Young professionals often bring new and creative ideas to the table, which can help organizations stay competitive and relevant in rapidly changing markets.

Adaptability and flexibility

Young professionals are often more adaptable and flexible in their approach to work, which can be invaluable in today's fast-paced business world.

Tech-savviness

?This is one of the most overlooked benefits of young professionals. Having grown up with technology, they are often highly proficient in using it, which can be a significant asset for companies looking to modernize and innovate.

Energy and enthusiasm

You can teach skills, but you can’t train passion. Young professionals are often highly motivated and enthusiastic about their work, which can help create a positive and productive workplace culture.

Willingness to learn

Popular too contrary belief, young professionals are typically eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges, which can help organizations stay agile and responsive to changing business needs.

Cost-effectiveness

Hiring young professionals can be a cost-effective way for companies to build their talent pipeline and invest in their future workforce.

Diversity and inclusion

DEI is becoming an increasingly significant piece of the workforce. Young professionals bring a range of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to the workplace, which can help foster a more inclusive and welcoming culture.

Long-term potential

By investing in young professionals early in their careers, companies can develop and retain top talent for the long-term, creating a sustainable competitive advantage. People go where they feel wanted, but stay where they feel valued.?

Networking opportunities

Growing up in the age of social media, young professionals often have extensive networks of peers and colleagues, which can help companies expand their reach and build new partnerships.

Community engagement

Young professionals are often highly engaged in their local communities and can help companies build stronger ties to the areas where they operate.

I acknowledge the bias that could come from highlighting a particular candidate profile that I may fall into. My heart is to encourage and empower the young professional who needs to build a case for a promotion, the one who has applied for position after position only to get declined, or the one who might feel discouraged in their current role with the value they bring to their organization. I truly believe there is no substitute for experience, and with experience comes wisdom, but we should all be learning and growing at every point in our careers, especially those in a position of influence. If you want to build a successful AND sustainable organization, you have to identify, develop, and invest in the next line of leaders.?