Millennials take a lot of flak, but studies have shown that they’re dedicated workers, skilled at collaborating with others, and very connected; according to research firm Gallup, 91 percent of millennials have a smartphone and 71 percent name the Internet as their primary source of news and information. As such, there are some jobs out there that suit America’s largest generation better than any other.
Let’s take a look at ten jobs in particular that only millennials in the workforce would understand.
1. Emoji Translator
A London-based language firm is on the hunt for an Emoji Translator. Seeking experts in “this rapidly evolving form of international communication,” the company lists such responsibilities as cross-cultural research on emoji usage, monthly reporting on emoji trends, and “a passion for emojis.” With studies indicating 64 percent of millennials communicate with emojis on a regular basis, this job could be a Generation Yer’s dream come true.
2. Social Alchemist
You don’t need to have aced high school chemistry to work as a social alchemist, but it helps to know the ins and outs of social media the way millennials do. What better fit for a social media native with an average of four social media accounts and a vocabulary that includes terms like friending and FOMO than a job as a social alchemist?
3. Video Playlist Curation
In recent years the term “curator” has expanded well beyond museums to become associated with everything from social posts to online video. Some companies are now looking for experienced YouTube users to compile video and movie playlists in various languages. The catch is that the job pays by the playlist. Better get to curating that content.
4. Video Fellowship – Nifty
Only a BuzzFeed regular — the news site reaches 60 percent of millennials — could make sense of a job like this. Responsibilities of the chosen “Nifty Fellow” include researching and producing “original projects and hacks” and participating in ideation for the Nifty section of the BuzzFeed site (according to BuzzFeed, haters need not apply).
5. Engagement Editor
If this reads like a job at a bridal magazine to you, you probably aren’t a millennial. Media company Mic, which caters to millennial consumers, is looking for candidates that can effectively engage its audience with email newsletters and mobile apps. Mic’s job post notes that a “passion for changing the world and empowering our generation” is a must.
6. Growth Hacker
The concept of growth hacking — getting creative with product development and marketing to rapidly grow a business — has millennial written all over it. Those with digital marketing skills who are also product-savvy and can think outside the box can maximize today’s multiplying growth hacker opportunities.
7. Marketing Ninja/Digital Overlord
Most millennials will tell you they know exactly what this title represents. That’s good news for the pest control company currently seeking a Marketing Ninja/Digital Overlord. Duties include content marketing, web development, and being “ridiculously awesome at communication.”
8. Visual Storyteller
Storytelling isn’t just for grandparents and children’s book authors anymore. Millennials with experience in digital media and visual design are sure to flock to jobs like this one, which involves creating “listicles of dance moves in new Rihanna and Justin Timberlake videos” and “recaps of last night’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance.'”
9. Head of Body and Mind
It might sound like an anatomy lesson gone wrong, but millennials familiar with Elite Daily, which calls itself “The Voice of Generation Y,” get that the job relates to the site’s health and wellness vertical. Like other editing gigs at digital publications, this one requires that applicants can maintain the brand’s signature tone of voice (so Head of Body, Mind, and Voice would have been an equally relevant title).
10. Freelancer
Plenty of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers freelance, but it’s millennials who are really embracing this way of working. According to reports, 38 percent of millennials are already freelancing — more than any other generation — and 82 percent are optimistic about their freelancing future. Among other things, freelancing appeals to the millennial workforce’s desire for flexibility and work-life balance. By making themselves available for new opportunities, they’re well-positioned to find job satisfaction for years to come.