Generation Z Coming to Your University and Workplaces
Several years ago we had a blog about the generation that was set to start entering law school in about 2015 (then called Net Gen—more popularly Generation Z (Gen Z) now, but also iGeneration, iGen, and Post-Millennials). Now this generation is entering law schools and workplaces in greater numbers. Demographers and researchers typically use the mid-1990s to mid-2000s as starting birth years. Most of Generation Z have used the Internet since a young age and are generally comfortable with technology and interacting on social media.
According to a recent Forbes article, there are 8 ways Gen Z differ from Millennials:
- Gen Z is motivated by security
- Gen Z may be more competitive compared to Millennials
- Gen Z wants independence
- Gen Z multitasks more than Millennials
- Gen Z is entrepreneurial
- Gen Z wants to communicate face-to-face
- Gen Z comprises true digital natives
- Gen Z wants to be catered to
While generational characteristics are not specific to all individuals, they can be helpful in understanding differences between older generations and students. Here are additional articles that may help in understanding our newest generation of law students:
- Mary Ann Becker, Understanding the Tethered Generation: Net Gens Come to Law School, 53 Duq. L. Rev. 9 (2015).
- Denise Hawkins, Here Comes Generation Z. What Makes Them Tick? NEA Today (July 13, 2015)
- Eugene Scott, The State of America, According to Generation Z, The Washington Post (January 11, 2018).
- Corey Seemiller & Meghan Grace, Generation Z: Educating and Engaging the Next Generation of Students, 22 (3) About Campus, 21-26, (Jul/Aug 2017).
- Celeste Roseberry-McKibben, Generation Z Rising, 22(12) ASHA Leader 36-38 (Dec. 2017).
