ACPHS, like other colleges and universities nationwide, is gearing up to welcome the next class of Gen Z students, children born between 1995 and 2012. David Stillman, an internationally acclaimed speaker on Generation Z and the author of “Gen Z @ Work: How the Next Generation Is Transforming the Workplace”, spoke to a packed auditorium of faculty and staff members at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Wednesday morning. The College President, Dr. Greg Dewey, led a candid discussion (pictured above) with Stillman about Gen-Zers' learning styles, communication preferences, work-life blend, and behaviors in reference to the college process. It was there that Stillman revealed that 69% of students want to decide upon a career path before they go to college.
“If we treat Gen Z like Millennials it will backfire,” said Stillman, noting that the Gen Z generation represents 72.8 million Americans. “They’re radically different from the Millennials and we need to understand the events and conditions that shape them and what their resulting traits are. They have an entirely unique perspective on careers and how to succeed in the workforce. Employers need to understand the differences that set them apart.”
David Stillman is not new to the generational conversation. For over twenty years he has been called on by business executives, politicians and the media to share his expertise on how best to bridge generational gaps. David has appeared on CNN, CNBC, and the TODAY Show as well as NPR and in Fast Company, The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.
In addition to being an internationally acclaimed speaker on the generations, David is also the co-author of two best-selling books including “When Generations Collide” and “The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation Is Rocking the Workplace.” David’s latest book “Gen Z @ Work” published by HarperCollins was coauthored with his Gen Z son, Jonah.
Stillman advised that Gen Zers are about to make their presence known. Based on the first national studies of Gen Z’s workplace attitudes; interviews with hundreds of CEOs, celebrities, and thought leaders on generational issues; cutting-edge case studies; and insights from Gen Zers themselves, “Gen Z @ Work” is the first serious, comprehensive examination of what the next generation of students looks like.
For ACPHS, Stillman's visit was the perfect kick-off for the start of the fall semester on August 26th.