Understanding Gen X and Gen Y

Generation X balances work and friends and family.  Generation Y, the largest generation in human history, has never known a time when there was not a World Wide Web.  They each have very different work styles than the Baby Boomer generation.

Get an understanding of both Gen X and Gen Y from an expert who programs and markets to Gen Y. 

Find out how Gen X and Gen Y communicate.  Then take home practical, how-to tips and techniques for communicating and working with Generation X and Gen Y.

One month online course, offered in March, May, July and October;$175, includes book; Lead instructor: Heather Dimitt.

 outlineCourse Outline

Unit 1.
What makes these generations different
The transition from the Industrial Age to the Internet Age
How Gen X differs from Boomers
How Gen Y differs from Boomers and Gen X
Work values in the 21st Century

Unit 2.
How Gen X and Gen Y perceive time
Knowledge work and the value of time
Time as key to profitability
The focus on outcomes
Why meetings are negatively perceived

Unit 3.
What motivates Gen X and Gen Y at work
The reinvention of family
Work hard and play hard
Monetary and non-monetary rewards
The new career development path

Unit 4.
Work styles and technology
Customizing work styles and processes
Peak work time and place
A new role for technology and work
Working collaboratively

Question MarkAbout online learning

Online learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun. 

GearsHow the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

CalendarParticipate when you want

Participants can participate as little or as much as you want.
You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.
For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.

ChecklistWhat you will do

For each Unit, you will:

  • Read the print readings (about 20 pages a week)
  • Have the option of accessing the online readings
  • Listen to the audio presentation for the Unit and view the slides
  • Have the option of taking a self-quiz to see how much you have learned
  • Engage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participants

For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each week.
The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

DiscussionDiscussion

The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each week to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

It’s easy. It’s fun.

Next offering(s):
July 5 - 30, 2010

About Your Instructors

Heather DimittHeather Dimitt is a Gen Xer who does educational programming and marketing to Generation X and Gen Y with the continuing education and career training program at the Columbia, Missouri, public schools.  She has won international awards for her work and success in generational marketing and communication, including using text messaging for business publicity and customer communication and retention.

Dimitt speaks at national conferences and professional development seminars on the subject of generational communication, social networks, marketing, and management.

Directional ArrowsCourse Objectives

  • To identify behaviors that characterize members of Gen X and Gen Y
  • To identify myths about Gen X and Gen Y and understand why they have developed
  • To understand the societal forces that contribute the generational personality of each generation
  • To understand the relationship of societal forces and the values, goals, and motivators for each generation

Puzzle PiecesCourse Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, you will:

  • Know the key characteristics of Gen X and Gen Y
  • Understand the forces that shaped these two generations
  • Be able to explain the relationship between changes in the broader society and the shaping of generational values and behavior
  • Understand the work ethic that drives Gen X and Gen Y