#gradycollege

[monibasu]

the new workspace: journalism building at the #universityofgeorgia. first day on campus. #uga #gradycollege #firstdayatwork #teaching #journalism #godawgs (at University of Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnFyOR5LChO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[justletmeriff]

I got owned by UGA College Students this week

I like to talk...we know this.  Sometimes, people actually invite me to talk to other people about things (suckas!). Usually, its your typical marketing/advertising/social media/agency/corporate crowd (aka: my people).

But earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak in front of a surprisingly refreshing crowd - UGA's Grady College of Communications  PR/Advertising/Marketing/Creative majors at the ADPR Connection event.

Now, I love my alma mater (GO NOLES),

but these UGA kids had their act together. No. They invented the act.  This was like nothing I ever experienced in college.

They were dressed.

They were prepared.

They were polished.

They had business cards AND experience already (and we're talking under. grads.)

All this noise people make about how hard it is to employ these entitled, self-important millennials obviously aren't employing the right ones.

These kids aren't just hirable, but with a few years of experience, they're coming for YOUR job.  Oh, and did I mention that this is a student-run event?!?  These undergrads recruited high-level industry talent from heavy-hitters like Coca-Cola, Walmart, and just about every major agency in Atlanta all to come and speak at this event. PLUS, they were highly professional, organized and polished.

The most impressive part - so many students showed up. This wasn't attended only by those front-row kids,

but every session was standing room only.  Allllllllllllllll the kids - front row, back row, middle rows. (it was like Bebe's kids...anyone?)

Saying the experience was "humbling" doesn't do it justice.  Yes, I was humbled by the fact that I didn't do nearly the things these kids are doing to prepare themselves for the world and THEY wanted to learn from ME. (um...what?)

But really, I was inspired and refreshed. Inspired to continue to be a student of our industry instead of trying to be seen as an expert. And refreshed knowing that our industry has such a bright future ahead.  I just hope I can stay smart enough to keep up!!

So, my dear millennials...keep working HARD and earning your place.

And when you encounter those haters....