Move over Millennials – there’s a new breed of student on campus.
Since growing up as children of the 90’s, Generation Z students are taking the world by force.
Inside and outside the college classroom, Generation Z feeds off of tackling social issues, entrepreneurial motives, project collaboration and home cooked meals over instant meals (like macaroni and cheese, a staple in today’s college dorms).
Most obviously, Generation Z students are constantly plugged into digital life and can’t seem to part with a cell phone or tablet due to FOMO (“Fear of Missing Out”). In fact, an article from Business Insider suggests that 66% of Generation Z’s children ages six to 11 prefer online gaming as their main method of physical activity.
Business Insider also suggests that Generation Z strives to change the world, and is more involved with volunteering opportunities. However, they don’t hold high value with advanced college degrees: 64% of Generation Z students consider advanced degrees in comparison to 74% Millennials.
Generation Z students are accustomed to speedy communication and keep the economy, job security, equality and global warming at the top of the list of things to worry about, and hold the opinions of their parents in high regard.
To communicate with and help Generation Z students thrive, Business Insider recommends the following:
• Talk to them as adults, even about global topics
• Tap into their “want to be an entrepreneur” spirit
• Collaborate with them – and help them collaborate with others
• Live stream with them – or give them live streaming access
• Talk to them about value and the cost of things
• Include a social cause that they can fight for
A chart of Generation Z’s interests
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