Inspiring Millennials to Work on Purpose
The Millennial generation is frequently characterized as well educated, highly motivated, and socially conscious. However, the path to working for social change is not always clear. To help millennials access a framework for pursuing socially-driven careers, Echoing Green recently published Work on Purpose, a book of inspiring stories, helpful resources and thought-provoking questions.
Commongood had the opportunity to chat with the book’s author, Lara Galinsky, to learn more about what it means to work on purpose.
What was the inspiration behind Work on Purpose?
A few years ago, I heard a statistic that really struck me: 62% of college students are interested in nonprofit and public sector careers, but only 9% know how to find those jobs. There’s a lot of hunger around pursuing social change careers, but no easy access to the tools and resources to satiate that hunger. The idea for Work on Purpose came out of the desire to help this change-driven generation of young adults access the framework they need to pursue meaningful careers.
Work on Purpose is geared towards the foot soldiers of the social entrepreneur movement. Through Echoing Green’s experience supporting social entrepreneurs for the past 24 years, we know that these individuals do not work alone. It takes all sorts of talent – staff, volunteers and funders – to build institutions and networks. The inspiration for the book comes from a deep belief that all of these participants are the lifeblood of social change organizations.
What is motivating this movement? Why are more people pursuing social change careers?
There are a few factors. Throughout the economic crisis of the past few years, more people have taken stock of their values and decided to pursue careers with meanings. At Echoing Green, we speak to folks who are looking to trade corporate jobs for social change careers nearly every day. They come to us in search of a compass to help them do so.
For example, I work closely with our Social Investment Council, a group of private equity, venture capital and management consulting professionals who are interested in financing social change work. Over the years, I’ve seen many of these members leave their corporate jobs to pursue roles that are more aligned with their values of doing good in the world.
For members of the millennial generation entering the workforce for the first time, they bring with them a deep-seeded belief in making a difference. The research on this generation shows that millennials prioritize “helping others who are in difficulty” in their career choices. This generation was raised on volunteerism and service, much more so than previous generations. To this group, working for a cause isn’t necessarily a choice; it’s the orientation that many millennials developed early on in their lives. The relationship between career, impact and personal fulfillment is at the core of the millennial generation’s choices.
What trends did you see across the individuals profiled in the book?
The book follows five individuals who are relatively early in their careers. While their stories are different, the common thread is that they’ve all chosen similar paths, specifically joining organizations that reflect their personal values. And they all pushed past challenges to do so. Their stories represent what happens when you align your heart with your head, which we see as creating the “hustle” needed to pursue what’s most important to you.
The book suggests a rather spiritual approach to career planning. How can readers leverage the book in practical ways during a job search?
Planning for one’s career is a practice; it requires intention and discipline. A job search is all about not taking shortcuts. If you take your time to pay attention to what you really want, and then ask the right questions, you will be more successful in your job search.
At the end of each chapter, there are questions and activities to stimulate this process. I hope the book provides a framework for young adults to develop criteria through which they can evaluate job opportunities.
Jobseekers that are better informed about what they want – and how what they want matches to the specific requirements and qualifications for an open position – are positioned for success. For some jobs at Echoing Green, we receive over 600 applications. You better believe that the person who demonstrates self-assuredness and purpose is going to stand out.
To learn more about Work on Purpose, please visit: www.echoinggreen.org/work-on-purpose
To get your very own free copy, tell us how you work on purpose by posting a comment on our blog.
15 comments so far
...because I work in education…what is most meaningful to me is watching students transform and develop into educated citizens of the world
As a counselor I help transform people’s lives.
I work in volunteer management; in many ways placing a volunteer parallels the job search. I work on purpose by living and sharing my purpose with others. In doing so we can simultaneously turn good intentions into active placements and positive outcomes.
I work with intention no matter what the job… I have adopted a way of life where my thoughts, feelings and actions are aligned.
RE:Inspiring Millennials to Work on Purpose
Employees of the millennium seem to want something different from your colleagues, right? This is one of the biggest challenges in the workplace today, knowing what this generation wants to work that makes enjoying them giving their best. You can get the best of the Baby Boomers administrators wringing their hands and say prayers. Most agree on research in the areas of work that will inspire Millennials and keep your company longer. They want to learn and be more receptive to your advice if you know and understand what they respond to and use it to train and mentor.
This is great to hear about as a resource. Most of my work experience has been at nonprofit organizations, including my current post at an academic medical center. Working both within the volunteer department and in organizational development, I find it interesting how people don’t always connect that a place where they enjoy volunteering also can have paid positions and potential career options. We also run employee resource groups, including a new Millennial group and I would love to weave ideas from this book into our work.
I grew up poor and managed to navigate systems to do reasonably well. I have modeled my professional career to develop positive and social outcomes for children and families living at the margins of society.
I work in an antipoverty resource organization that helps low income families find housing, jobs, and public benefits. I learn more from my clients than I probably give them. We are all connected so we all need to help one another.
Every body admits that our life is very expensive, nevertheless people need money for various stuff and not every man earns big sums money. Thus to get some credit loans and just collateral loan will be good way out.
Thanks for sharing this resource - I can’t wait to read this book.
I work on purpose by following what inspires me. There are so many social, economic and environmental inequities to address - and over the last 10+ years I have been inspired by working with so many dynamic people and organizations doing great work to bridge the digital divide, help working families build assets and bring good, fair, delicious food to people.
Thanks for sharing this resource. I’m curious as to how this could also work for boomers looking for jobs with purpose. Any thoughts?
I make sure that anything I do is fueled by my passion for what I’m doing. I worked for a nonprofit teaching youth about social issues and encouraged them to take action for what they believe in . Most recently, I am working with young adults to help them with career advice and helping them find their true passions.
I work with purpose by contributing to a diversity of non-profit organizations. It is important to look at the various issues in the world and then try to work with others in solidarity. The work can be related to the environment, youth development, feminism, etc. There are so many organizations that need volunteers that I try to concentrate on those.
As a community college counselor for the past 26 years I have had the pleasure of supporting students aspire to reach their dreams and goals. Thank you for this timely book and I am so eager to read it and share it with my students.
I work on purpose by devoting my career to mission driven organizations. In my position I help older adults that have returned to school, navigate the job search maze and career development process. My passion is helping individuals and groups discover their calling and develop a strategic plan to fulfill their goals.