THE GENERATION Z OPPORTUNITY – INNOVATE AND IDEATE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
The workplace has quickly been transformed, and presently, it’s in the hands of Generation Z (Gen-Z). They are the next in line to influence and become the world changers of tomorrow. Gen-Zers are youth who were born from the mid 1990s to early 2000s, while millennials were born from 1981 to 1996. Gen-Zers take up 25% of the U.S. population, which was more than the baby boomers. Gen-Zers may have been guided by previous generations, but now they’re the ones creating a fresh new era; a world where technology progresses at exponential speed.
Technology shapes us. Networking shapes us. Social media, phones, and computers facilitate our lives and shape society and Gen-Z is at the forefront of these tectonic shifts and are the generation in control of the NOW. They have mastered this technology and have the opportunity to become our newest innovators; speaking to a global audience with voices of power to let them know that we can live in a better world.
Consumers all over the world love convenience. Technology has the capacity to make things better. Technology is the bookstore in your hands, the system of transportation, food delivery, social networking, communication, and instant information. Gen-Z has mastered technology and social networking and are now becoming the best teachers we have for how these technology platforms can positively impact our lives and the world. Above all, they are the most “E” (entrepreneurial) Generation. With more than one-fourth of the U.S. population belonging to Generation Z, recent studies cite that 72 percent of high schoolers want to start their own business someday, compared to 61 percent of college students. However, in reality, only 16% will work for themselves upon graduation. This is the gap which presents a massive opportunity for the entrepreneurial and innovation mindsets to flourish.
Innovation is when you have an idea and apply it to the real world. Innovation is when someone’s imagination becomes a tool to transform or disrupt the established method of doing things. What innovation brings is a change to the world; a change to the way we live, work and play.
What fosters innovation in young people is giving them the tools and knowledge to build their “talent stack” at an early age – – to foster creative thinking and ideation for its practical application to positively change a community or even the world. Society needs more young innovators and problem solvers to carry out their initiatives.
At BIZNOVATOR, we encourage Generation Z to network more often and participate in programs such as workshops and camps that will reinforce the entrepreneurial and innovation mindset in young people. As Gen Z increases their engagement and communication with more people, and begin to discuss innovation more openly, they will begin to see growth within themselves and their circle of influence. One strategy is for young people to seek out mentors to guide them through innovation and entrepreneurship growth. In Miami, Florida for example, we encourage young people to seek out opportunities with organizations such as Cambridge Innovation Center, Venture Café, the LAB Miami, and other groups that deal with innovation, entrepreneurship, ideation and networking. Generation Z can bring great value and novelty, but first they need to take focused action (with a mentor’s feedback) to ensure the proper steps towards their future success. When we can unlock the creativity and innovation mindset in our young people, we will begin to realize a positive impact in our communities and the world.
To learn more about what other alumni from previous camps are doing and how much they have accomplished, visit BIZNOVATOR Success Stories at https://www.biznovator.com/success-stories/
ABOUT BIZNOVATOR:
BIZNOVATOR is a youth empowerment platform that offers a year-round experience for young people interested in entrepreneurship, social innovation and global leadership. Through our seminars, workshops, summer camps and in school Academies, BIZNOVATOR helps young people to DISCOVER their purpose, TRANSFORM their mindset and CONNECT to their future. We have recently launched our Online Learning Platform, www.mybiznovator.com which enables young people from all over the world to experience our unique BIZNOVATOR programs. We invite you to join us!
Juan Pablo Casimiro is Founder and CEO of BIZNOVATOR. With more than 30 years of empowering youth and adults globally, Casimiro never misses a moment to teach, coach and challenge his clients to live their dreams. Casimiro was born in Dominican Republic and grew up in New York City.