[Hidden-tech] Thanks to all those great Web designers - curious about the new generation/work expectations

[Jeff Mackler]

I have had the same type of experiences as Jeanne with the younger generation.   We've had several college interns that we've ended up hiring.  Their energy and attitudes has been exactly what we needed.  In fact we've had very positive experiences with some of the same people that Amy has struggled with.  I think like any employee, it's a two-sided relationship and working with the younger generation is no different.  

-Jeff
  




On Mar 3, 2010, at 12:36 PM, Amy Zuckerman wrote:

>   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>   ** If you did, we all thank you.
> 
> 
> Hi Folks,
> 
> I have received a number of responses from some pretty impressive Web designers out there eager to get my business lines up and running more smoothly, plus meet some of the most fantastic media and global industry professionals out there today, not to mention print/online publishers and national/global marketing/PR people. 
> 
> I purposely made it clear that I want professionals, only, because I have had a lot of trouble in the past year with college students and 20-somethings who do not have any experience in the work world. I LOVE working with this age group, as many of you know from the 40-plus programs I developed and ran when I was co-chair of Hidden Tech (as well as HT's founder) from 2002 - 2006, with some programs I designed running through the spring of 2007.
> 
> I only mention this because I am curious if others have had issues with this upcoming generation of this sort:
> 
> I actually had three kids threaten to sue me for something like $20 withheld when they quit projects because they had better things to do, or so they said, and didn't feel like working.  Another 20-something threatened to sue me for $60 when I didn't personally drop off her check at her house!! This same young woman cited my violation of HIPPA standards, not having a clue they relate to health care security. Sigh . . .
> 
> In all cases, plus the more recent one mentioned with some pique by me in the last email, I offered to give each a second chance if they were willing to come back to work and sort out what bothered them. Also, they exhibited zero understanding of small claims court requirements and did not seem to understand that people who ditch out on work don't usually get paid. In fact, they didn't realize that interns rarely get paid, though I always pay trainees who show commitment. 
> 
> My aim is to not beat up on kids, but learn a) if others share these sorts of experiences, and b) what you have done about them. In 20 years in business, plus 10 years running news desks and newspapers I have NEVER encountered this sort of attitude. Much has been written about the so-called Milleniums and their attitude issues. Now I'm seeing what these writers and business managers are describing first hand.
> 
> We want to encourage this generation to succeed, right?
> 
>  As my new staffer, Ashely Deiana told me when she interviewed, it's pretty tough out there for college grads today. She was delighted to get work from me and the payment I offered for training, which was above minimum wage. I can tell you that Ashley and Kate Korolov, another recent staffer (now in New Zealand) are real pros; just the sort of people I would recommend to anyone.
> 
> So, fill me in on your experiences. I have journalists and editors out there interested in what we have to say. NO NAMES PLEASE.
> 
> best,
> 
> Amy Zuckerman
> HT Founder
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Jeff Mackler
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