Understanding the Shark Tank Generation

Most of us begin each new year with resolutions, diets, and goals to improve our wellness routines. As an educational college consultant and parent, I began 2020 with a promise to read and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Generation Z (or the iGeneration) different from previous generations. After all, I spend much of my time counseling and supporting prospective college students and their parents.

Generation Z’s birth years are generally thought to be 1996-2009. If you are the parent of a child between the ages of 11-24 then they are one of the 65 million Generation Zers in the U.S. alone. I was interested to learn that the start year (1996) for Generation Z was settled on to encompass those who were very young at the time of the September 11th terrorist attacks. In other words, the war on terrorism has always been part of their lives. Our youth may have been deeply impacted by the proliferation of violent acts and the 2008 Recession, yet these circumstances have also motivated them to strive to have a meaningful impact on our world. This has instilled in Gen Zers an interest in safety, resilience, and tolerance.

There are many good articles and books about the differences between Generation Z and those of us who are considered Baby Boomers, Gen X, or Millennials/Gen Y. Here are three publications that I found particularly helpful:

iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy —and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood—and What That Means for the Rest of Us ; a book by Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University.

A 16-Year Old Explains 10 Things You Need to Know About Generation Z ; an article by Josh Miller written in October 2018 while a junior in high school. Josh is a thought leader on Generation Z and the Director of Gen Z Studies at the management consulting firm, XYZ University.

How to Raise an Adult (Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success) , a New York Times bestseller by Julie Lythcott-Haims who served as Dean of Freshmen and Undergraduate Advising at Stanford University for more than a decade.

So, what do we know in general about Generation Zers?

• They are the first generation raised on digital communication, yet value face-to-face communication above all other forms of communication.
• They prefer text over email, and Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube over Facebook. In fact, a recent Pew Study found 85% of teens surveyed use YouTube to view informal videos of current college students giving campus tours, as a reliable source of information when searching for a college. Social media has also given rise to increased awareness of political and social concerns well above previous generations, and spurred action around issues such as gun control and the rights of all individuals.
• People are to be treated as individuals and not as part of a particular group. This is central to Generation Z!
• According to Dr. Jean Twenge cited above, “iGen high school seniors are less likely to drive, work, drink alcohol, date, have sex, or go out without their parents.” This is part of a societal trend towards a slower, more protective childhood. This can lead to less independence, especially as college years approach.
• Generation Zers are more likely to go to college to get a good job than prior generations and place less value on learning for the sake of learning.
• The view of work has changed to a more practical approach. Compensation and benefits more often take precedence over a job that is personally fulfilling. And yet, future employers are also advised to foster innovative ideas and creativity, and to promote leadership skills. In a recent survey conducted by the management consulting firm called XYZ University, 2 out of 3 Gen Zers prefer a financially stable job over one they enjoy. This shift may be attributed to observing the financial challenges of their parents.
• Gen Z’s mindset is entrepreneurial. They believe that today’s economy offers great opportunities to make money and, according to Josh Miller’s article, they are inspired by “Shark Tank” success stories and savvy about the use of technology to expand our world and value creativity. Fifty-eight percent of Generation Zers hope to own a business.
• Also, according to Josh Miller, “This is the last generation in US history where a majority of the population is white.” Gen Zers are less likely to focus on a person’s race/ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation compared to previous generations. Diversity is commonplace so the focus has shifted to the authenticity and honesty of the individual.

So, how do we parent Generation Z?

• Parenting experts agree that we should encourage our children to confront obstacles. Making mistakes and working out problems is important to growing up. This seems particularly true if you trust the notion that Gen Zers are growing up more slowly within a more protective upbringing.
• The shift from going to college to get a good job rather than for the more altruistic goal of getting a good education stands out as an important factor for today’s parents. We should not give up the notion of stressing the importance of learning for the sake of learning, but we should also acknowledge the practical mindset of Gen Zers in our guidance and teaching.
• Dr. Jean Twenge and other experts point to the national rise in depression and solitude among teens and young adults. The prevalence of smartphones in our lives means, in part, that our youth spend less time in the company of friends. Despite this, remember that our children also place a high premium on face-to-face communication. Keep it low key and look for small opportunities to engage with your child. Take a walk, plan a menu, cook together and have a “device-free” meal, or have your teen be the one to call in a takeout order.
• And finally, here are two critical pieces of advice from Julie Lythcott-Haims (whose book is mentioned above) that span all generations. Julie advises us to (quote):
  • Stop saying "we." In conversation about your children, don't refer to their work or achievements by using "we." "We" are not on the soccer team, "we're" not doing the science project, and "we're" not applying to college.
  • Stop arguing with the adults in your children's lives. Kids need to learn to advocate for themselves with their teachers, coaches, or other school staff. They should have these conversations themselves.

As a new decade begins, I find myself just as energized, challenged, and dedicated to helping the Gen Zers I counsel in my work with Creative College Connections find their “right-fit” college as I was when I began my career over 35 years ago. Leisure suits and fishnet stockings may no longer be fashionable (thank goodness!), but the love and devotion we have for our children never goes out of style.

If you are looking for guidance about navigating the college applications and admissions process with your Gen Zer, I am happy to talk with you. Click here to schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call with me, https://www.creativecollegeconnections.com/preliminary-conversation.

By Debra Chermonte

Debra Chermonte is a national expert in the field of college admissions and counseling with over three decades of experience. Most recently, she led Oberlin College as Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for twenty-eight years.