This document discusses the four generations currently in college - the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. It provides an overview of each generation, including defining years, significant influences during their development, and key characteristics. The Silent Generation valued hard work and respect for authority, while Baby Boomers were driven to success and materialism. Generation Xers were self-reliant and pragmatic, taking a "take the money and run" approach. Millennials are very competent with technology, global and family-oriented, and have high expectations from employers.

1. Generations @ College

2. This is the first time in American history that we have four different generations learning and working side-by-sidein the university.

3. Four Generations @ College

4. The Generations Defined Silent Generation: BORN 1925-1942 Baby Boomers: BORN 1946-1964 Generation X: BORN 1965-1979 Generation Y/ Millennials: BORN 1980-2001

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6. Significant Influences on Silents

7. About the Silents… Born during the Great Depression and the Second World War, so small cohort in number Little competition, so very successful – in terms of economic success, 1938 was the best year to be born in North America Too old to be war heroes and too young to be rebels Value thrift, hard work, and respect for authority Believe in paying their dues Value lessons from the past Committed, responsible, patient and conforming Command and control approach comes naturally – respect for rules Duty before pleasure

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9. Significant Influences on Baby-boomers

10. About the Baby-Boomers… Generational distinctiveness and identity Grew up with the Cleavers but became disillusioned and distrustful Driven to success and measure success materialistically They want it all and will work long hours and be ruthlessly competitive to get it First generation to claim a higher priority for work over personal life Suspicious of institutions

11. Socially-oriented but seek personal gratification Advocates of individual freedoms Not naturally “budget minded” Uncomfortable with conflict Overly sensitive to feedback Judgmental of those who see things differently Self-centered Lost retirement savings

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13. Generation X Influences

14. About Generation Xers… X originally meant to denote namelessness of a forgotten and overlooked generation Street-smart, latch-key kids – self-reliant – children of workaholic baby-boomers and socialized in an era of downsizing, divorce, and rising national debt Take the money and run attitude toward organizations The Slacker Generation Free agents Balance demands between work, family and personal life Looking for quick score (Internet companies and dotcom gurus)

15. Always wants to have input Results matter – not how many hours you work Trust only the competent Informal and casual Pragmatic Less socially skilled and gregarious than generations before and after No heroes Other generations often confused and confounded by Xers Silents see them as rude Baby-boomers see them as slackers Millennials see them as too pessimistic and cynical Moving into management more quickly than previous generations

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18. About the Millennials… Very competent multitaskers – have been doing it since birth Used to frantically busy schedules and structured lives Proficient with technology Global and multiculturalism – the first global-centric generation More spiritual, patriotic and family-oriented than their parents – resemble the Silent in this regard More aware and depressed than any other generation Raised in affluence, always nurtured and told they were special – they now believe it They set meaningful goals and are achievement-oriented They honor their parents and silent generation grandparents Can-do attitude that others may perceive as naive

19. Resilient, optimistic, adaptive and sociable Following failure, they expect another chance or someone to bail them out Arrive in workplace with very high expectations Have always felt needed and important Patriotic and traditional in their value orientation Least rebellious and most conforming generation since the Silents Will depart disenchanted if they feel underappreciated, disrespected, betrayed or disappointed Maintain wide and dispersed social networks