Are passion, dedication, and loyalty the routes to older generations’ acceptance of us?

I recently attended a speed networking event put on by a local community center. While I was definitely looking for a potential job opportunity, I was much more interested in receiving reactions to the ideas and altered approach to life that I have gained since entering the blogosphere.

Passion quickly became the main theme of the conversation. Regardless of everything else I had to talk about, that was the one thing that the older generational interviewers in the room really took interest in.

So I begin discussing what I was actually passionate about. I quickly began to talk about my commitment and dedication, both to my values, and to those who have supported me on my journey to achieving what I am looking for. I began discussing my desire to work tirelessly for any company or individual that would put their trust in me, simultaneously providing me with opportunities that bring me closer to achieving my personal goals.

One woman, seemingly astonished by what I was saying asked; “Is that how your generation approaches work, and is that the attitude that most of you come into the real-world having?”

Answering yes was easy for me. I feel like I know what I want, I know what I desire, and I like to think I know the subsequent outcome of my actions; it’s the path to the actual success I am trying to reach, on which I must rely on others for help. And so, when others offer me a hand getting down the path I have put myself on, I do everything I can to make it as valuable for them as I know it is for me. On the other hand, I know that yes would not be the answer our entire generation would respond with to that question.

When the event came to an end, I again approached a few of the interviewers to close up any lose ends, thank them for coming, and ensure that our paths would meet again. In addition to wanting to continue our discussions, I wasn’t so opposed to discussing possible job opportunities as well. It was in these concluding exchanges when one man looked at me and said, “Your success is going to lie within your loyalty.”

Ultimately the night was a success, but I was left with more questions to ponder. What is my loyalty worth? How can my dedication, commitment and passion be conveyed? Will my devotion and assurances be rewarded in the appropriate ways? And above all else, why do we still continue to look at GPA and SAT scores to determine who gets their foot in the door first?

At no point during the night was I asked what my GPA was. My audience was captivated by a dream, a vision and a promise that only those who know what they are looking for can deliver upon.

Too often our generation looks to very broad answers as a means of standing out. But only when these broad answers have a deeper context and thought process behind them, is when that door will open both ways, defining the future success of the individual, and the company which puts a stake in that very same person.