A Father’s Perspective on His Daughter’s Graduation
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending my daughter’s graduation ceremony from the Technology Institute of Monterrey, where she completed her Administration studies. It was a deeply emotional moment filled with pride, hope, and many questions about the future.
The Speaker’s Insightful Message
During the event, the invited speaker addressed the graduates with a statement that made me reflect deeply: “Today, you conclude your eras of tasks, jobs, and exams. Now, you begin the eras of work meetings, continuous decisions, and challenges where you will have to decide without knowing everything and without necessarily having all the information.”
This graduation ceremony left me pondering: What will become of this generation in the work environment? How prepared are they? Which technologies do they master? What mindset do they bring to the workforce? Which companies are they interested in? What drives them?
A Digitally Native Generation
The generation that is now graduating and beginning to write their first lines on their resumes has grown up in a digital, hyperconnected, and fast-paced world. Many of them handle tools like artificial intelligence, data analytics, collaborative platforms, and agile methodologies with the same natural ease as we learned to use email years ago. They not only possess technical skills but have also developed crucial soft skills such as resilience, adaptability, and global vision.
- International experiences: study abroad programs, multicultural academic projects, and even internships in global companies.
- Involvement in sustainability and environmental projects.
- Entrepreneurship: some have founded their own startups before even receiving their diplomas, learning the ins and outs of creating something from scratch.
Advantages and Challenges
In many ways, they are better prepared than previous generations. They have greater exposure to emerging technologies, a more ingrained social consciousness, and a broader worldview. However, they also face new challenges: a more competitive job market, high professional expectations, and rapidly changing work environments.
Future Leaders in Retail and Consumption
In the world of consumption and retail, these young professionals could be true agents of change. As consumers, they demand authentic brands, sustainable products, transparency, and flawless digital experiences. But as future executives, will they effectively turn these demands into business strategies? How will they find ways to win with the consumer?
Undoubtedly, they will leverage technologies like artificial intelligence to better understand purchasing patterns, create deeper customer segments, and personalize the customer experience. They will use real-time data analytics to detect trends and implement highly focused strategies. They will rely on social media, digital platforms, and new sources of information to listen to the consumer’s voice, not just react but anticipate their needs.
The Role of Companies
For the companies that employ them, the challenge is significant. Offering a job and competitive salary is no longer enough. This generation seeks purpose. They want to contribute to something greater, be heard, develop professionally, and feel part of a relevant mission. Organizations must learn to integrate their talent, providing spaces for innovation and clear paths for growth and learning.
A Father’s Emotions
Undeniably, the pride of parents is immense. Seeing our children on stage, diploma in hand, fills us with emotion and hope. But it also leaves our hearts pounding as we anticipate the challenges that await them.
What lies ahead for this new generation? What does “Beyond Success” mean to them? All I know is that it will be fascinating to watch and share.
