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Generations in Higher Ed
Colleagues,
The following video is thought-provoking, as it relates to the cultural experiences that have shaped us. The artist who created the video selected a variety of clips to capture and illustrate significant events across generations. I felt a strong emotional connection to the events shown, particularly those that directly related to my own generation. Reflecting on the phenomena shown invites us to reflect on the circumstances that have impacted our lives. What events and experiences defined your generation?
It’s important to think back on our own experiences as we prepare for Generation Z coming to college. What can we take from our past and apply to a new generation? What has Generation Z already experienced that may shape the way students relate to the world?
Literature suggests that Generation Z is already exhibiting defining characteristics that will likely influence them throughout their lives. These include career focus, inclusivity of others, financial frugality and an inseparability from technology. As you imagine the role of higher education in serving this population, I invite you to spend some time thinking about what we can continue to do successfully and what we need to change to respond to the needs of Generation Z.
Vice Provost for Student Life
Who is Generation Alpha?
Generation Alpha refers to people who were born between 2010 and 2024. Like all newly described generations, you will find that the birth years may vary a bit from source to source. This generation of students had a childhood greatly impacted by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. They are also the first generation that have been exposed to trends like smartphones and extensive screen time since their birth. They will begin arriving on our campus in just a few years. Thus, it is important that we strive to best understand their needs and how to best help them thrive in the Purdue community.
Generational Differences
See the chart below for guidelines to generational differences between Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha.
Dimension |
Millennial |
Gen Z |
Gen Alpha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attitude | Special | Stressed | Worried |
| Technology |
"Digital Native" |
Internet in Pocket | True Digital Natives |
| Online Presence | Willing to Share: Social Media Pioneers |
Private: Cultivated Public Presence |
Hyperconnected; Carefully Cultivated |
| Learning | Learn in Groups | Learn Independently (YouTube); then Groups |
Interactive, Visually Focused |
| Financial Development | Prosperity, Brand Loyal |
Frugality, Convenience |
FinTech, Supermarket Lifestyle |
| Role Models | Celebrities | Real People | Influencers |
| Leadership Style | (Over) Confident | Maximizes Team Talents | Purpose-driven, Valuing integrity & Accountability |
| Multi-Cultural Perspective | Diversity Valued | Inclusivity Valued | Global Focus; Inclusivity is Critical |
| Overarching Work Philosophy | Exploration, Work-Life Balance |
Focused; Stable, yet Entrepreneurial; Career Oriented |
Focus on social responsibility, Flexibility & Immediate Feedback |
Additional Resources
See below for additional resources, including books and excerpts, on generational differences.
- Generation Alpha: Understanding our Children and Helping Them Thrive
- Thirteen: A First Look at Gen Alpha
- Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers & Silents – and What They Mean for America’s Future.
- Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation
- Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
- Generation Z Goes to College
- Millennials Go to College: Strategies for a New Generation on Campus
- iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy — and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood — and what that Means for the Rest of Us