Home » Security Leadership » Career/Staffing

In Depth

How to Recruit and Retain the Best Young Security Employees

Today's youngest generation of workers, known as Generation Y, have different career goals than their parents did. What do you need to know to get them to work for you?

By Joan Goodchild, Senior Editor

Page 2

Millennials are at ease with technology and not only expect, but demand to be able to use it, on the job. Companies that don't have the tools will be seen as archaic to a twenty-something employee. Bonus points will go to companies that are developing a technology or platform and make employees part of the process. After all, it was Gen Y genius that lead to Web 2.0 technologies such as Facebook and YouTube. And those young entrepreneurs quickly became millionaires, rather than working for 30 years for their wealth.

"The rewards are so much greater now among the younger generations," said Wipprecht. "That has raised their expectations significantly."

Sure, most companies won't be able to offer workers the chance to get in on the ground floor of a multi-million dollar venture. But while Baby Boomers, often the parents of Generation Y, expected to work for a company for many years before getting big bucks and big promotions, these younger workers want opportunity and mobility now.

"There is the question of what can they get out of it for their career?" said Bruce Larson, security director with American Water, a Vorhees, NJ-based tap water supply company. "And when you are talking about hiring IT security professionals, that becomes paramount."

Companies may want to consider mentoring programs, as well as educational opportunities, so Millennials can feel they are getting something more than just money out of being with their company.

"Boomers wanted to make sure they weren't losing their job. Gen Xers wanted to know 'How am I doing?' at my job. Now Gen Y wants to know 'Why am I doing this job?'" said Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions, a Massachusetts-based firm that regularly advises corporations on generational differences.

And there may be some shock managers have to deal with among new hires who are disappointed that their new job is not what they envisioned it would be. Popular culture, including such TV programs as 'CSI' and 'Law & Order,' have given security-related fields a boost.

"Many Millennials who are in their early 20's did watch these types of programs in high school," said Orrell. "There has been more interest in younger people pursuing these types of careers."

A number of colleges and universities have added programs to keep pace with demand for degrees in areas like forensic science and criminal justice. But the actual day-to-day requirements of the job might not be exactly what new hires had in mind when the decided to pursue the career.