It’s trendy for business executives to bemoan the new generation in the workforce. Millennials have a reputation for being irreverent, lazy, and egocentric. But as scores of Baby Boomers retire from engineering firms, those newly graduated structural engineers become a sought-after pool of fresh talent. Top recruiting researchers have found that Millennials are motivated differently than their predecessors, but once engaged, work just as diligently. Engage the top engineering talent of the new generation with these tips for attracting and retaining Millennial engineers.
- Stop hiring one-hit wonders. Engineering is a naturally diverse field, and like most Millennial talent, young engineers don’t like to become static in the workplace. New graduates want to hone their talents, knowledge, and skills on the job. For most, that means finding an company culture of mentorship, continuous education, and upward mobility.
- Think outside the box. Engineers are innovative thinkers, known for finding creative solutions to problems. The Millennial generation applies this principle to every aspect of their careers, preferring to use their own methods to meet set deadlines. To keep top Millennial talent (and effectively utilize their skills), engineering firms should offer new hires flexibility within the set parameters of their positions.
- Build a balance. Unlike previous generations, who took years to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives, recent college grads know the importance of a healthy work/life balance. Recent engineering grads are more than willing to put in the work, but they balk at the 24/7 careers many companies have adopted in the digital age. To retain Millennial talent, give employees the tools to work diligently along with the flexibility to meet their personal needs.
Engineering Search Partners provides a competitive advantage to engineering firms seeking to hire new talent. We analyze the needs of each company to find a candidate who fits the needs of the firm, the requirements of the position, and the office culture. Simplify your hiring process by allowing our experienced engineering recruiters to find top Millennial candidates for your firm.