Why our Next Generation of professionals matters
The next generation of Igbo Professionals (called millennials in other cultures), born between 1980 and 1995 now entering employment in vast numbers, will shape the Igbo world of work for years to come. Attracting the best of these generation of workers is critical to the future of WIC and Igbo business. Their career aspirations, attitudes about work, and knowledge of new technologies will define the culture of Igbo nation and WIC.
This next generation matters because they are not only different from those that have gone before, they are also more numerous than any since the soon-to-retire first generation Igbo-American generation. In the US, this category of young professionals already form 25% of the workforce and account for over half of the population in India. By 2020, they will form 50% of the global workforce.
But although they will soon outnumber their Generation X predecessors who arrived the US in the 70s and early 80s. They will also be more valuable – this generation will work to support a significantly larger older generation as life expectancy increases. CEOs tell us that attracting and keeping younger workers is one of their biggest talent challenges. This argument drives the need for WIC and all Igbo organizations to engage them.
It’s clear that this generation will be a powerful generation of workers and that those with the right skills will be in high demand. They may be able to command not only creative reward packages by today’s standards, but also influence the way they work and where and how they operate in the workplace. They may also represent one of the biggest challenges that many organizations will face. World Igbo Congress and Igbo nation stand to benefit from this powerhouse of professionals who are now proving to have outstanding management capabilities.
The next generation of professionals’ use of technology clearly sets them apart. One of the defining characteristics of the millennial generation is their affinity with the digital world. They have grown up with broadband, smartphones, laptops and social media being the norm and expect instant access to information. This is the first generation to enter the workplace with a better grasp of a key business tool than more senior workers.
It’s more than just the way they use technology that makes today’s youth different – they behave differently too. A lot of this next generation are armed to the teeth with solid professional attainments. They include lawyers, doctors, Professors corporate agents, investors, realtors, nurses, engineers, architects and what have you. Moreover, their earning power is eye-popping. Yet their generation X parents still see them out of sight either to protect them or simply see them still as kids. For WIC, Igbo organizations and indeed Igbo nation to secure the future, they must capture and hold the interest of the power house. Here is where the new beginning of World Igbo Congress, really has a meaning. We invite all young professionals to join in this movement. Contact the chairman, Dr. Izu Iwueke ([email protected]) to see where you fit in.
