Millennials (or Generation Y) are those who were born between 1982 and 2000....
girl power
Millennials (or Generation Y) are those who were born between 1982 and 2000. There has been so much written about this enigmatic group and how they are wildly different from the generations that came before them. They have often been described as everything from lazy and self-centred to open-minded and collaborative. However, the differences have been most dramatic in workplace aspirations and habits.
Gone are the days when youngsters were limited to a handful of career options that ensured their ‘stability’. However, with the shift in trends and values, the youth - in Pakistan and world over - are defying the set stereotypes to pursue their passions. There are companies that are spending big money to figure out how to attract and engage this group. Their free-spiritedness, combined with a mindset that puts exhilarating experiences before loyalty, has created a challenge for companies that seek to attract the best talents of this age group.
In 2013, Ladiesfund introduced for the first time in Pakistan the Speed Networking Luncheon, which replicated the Harvard-style speed networking where more than 100 guests were seated face-to-face to network with each other, with a ringer every five minutes for the attendees to rotate to the next conversation. Two years ago, a ‘star’ component was added to introduce mentoring aside the speed networking.
This year, Dawood Global Foundation (DGF) hosted a Millennial Masterclass 2018 at a historical landmark located in Karachi. It was a platform launched to empower, train and highlight the accomplished millennials of Pakistan. With the theme surrounding the Generation Y, the ambassadors of their era, who have founded innovative businesses, made names for themselves in some of the most cut-throat industries were honoured with shields at the recently held event.
The ‘Ladiesfund 2018 Millennial of Inspirations’ included actress Sohai Ali Abro, publisher Sahar Paracha, founder of ‘Show You Care Pakistan’ Farhat Rasheed, co-founder of the ‘Karachi Candle Company’ Neha Mashooqullah, co-founder of ‘Super Savari Express’ Jahanzaib, co-founder of ‘Kolachi’ Owais Asif, and visual artist Mehreen Hashmi were the ‘rockstar’ millennial mentors at the event, along with chief guest Masarrat Misbah, a well known philanthropist and entrepreneur,.
As a chief guest of the event, Massarat Misbah talked about empowering oneself in order to help others, “If you face some difficulties, know that it is given by God so that you can help those by your learning.” She also advised youngsters to be passionate about their work while addressing the crowd. After the inspiring speech, the mentors shared their success stories and gave words of encouragement to the audience.
The event was an opportunity for 150 professionals, entrepreneurs and young students to gather under a one roof in a bid to form professional friendships meet potential clients and build/strengthen their network for career advancement purposes through panels and mentoring sessions. Spotted in the audience were Amin Gulgee, former Governor Kamal Azfar, Moneeza Butt, Nazneen Tariq Khan, Sana Rasheed Khan, Omayr Saiyid among others socialites and media persons.
The attendees found particularly valuable both the panel discussion - which was full of insightful questions on standing out from the crowd, how to get a franchise and how to find out what your life purpose is - as well as the speed mentoring session with the Millennials of Inspiration.
- Adeela Akmal
