From Baby Boomers to Gen Z: Exploring Generational Perspectives at Work

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Rapid changes in technology, workflows, and communication styles over the past several decades have created both challenges and opportunities in today’s workplace.

To highlight these issues, I had the opportunity to partner with my fellow Sacramento Part-Time MBA classmate, Julissa de Gonzalez, to host a breakout session on “Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce” featured on the mainstage at Metro EDGE’s 11th annual Emerge Summit in downtown Sacramento.

The Emerge Summit is Metro EDGE’s premier annual event and an excellent opportunity for young professionals to attend a wide range of breakout topics and make connections that they will carry with them throughout their careers.  

More than 300 attendees fanned out to venues across downtown Sacramento for sessions during the all-day conference. Supporting the event, the UC Davis Graduate School of Management (GSM) is a presenting gold sponsor of Emerge.

UC Davis MBAs on the Evolution of the Workplace

In our hosted breakout session, GSM Professor Stephen Garcia led a discussion with MBA alumna Becca Litman and MBA students Marissa Hernández and Keith Leung. They discussed the modern workforce in the digital age and its wide range of generational perspectives, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z.

The panel shared their perspective on how diverse workforces are affected by changes in generational values and behaviors.

I wore many hats at Emerge as a session host, EDGE member, and the empowerment co-chair of the leadership council for Metro EDGE, in which I played a key role in organizing the summit.

As I worked behind the scenes, I listened to the insightful dialogue led by Professor Garcia. My fellow MBA classmates did a phenomenal job addressing questions about standards for professionalism, managing other professionals, and Western vs. Eastern cultural values.

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At last year’s Emerge, I first met many colleagues who would later become my UC Davis MBA classmates. I connected with several current UC Davis MBA students at the post-Emerge happy hour, right about the same time I was accepted into the Sacramento Part-Time MBA.

The Sacramento Part-Time MBA program offered exactly what I was looking for: a strong reputation and opportunities through partnerships like Metro EDGE.

UC Davis MBA Alums Lead Sessions on Stereotypes and Personal Branding

Emerge offered a broad spectrum of topics on professional development, giving back to the community, and improving leadership or interpersonal skills.

Sacramento Part-Time MBA alumna Leticia Garay moderated a panel on “Slaying Stereotypes: Motherhood, Mental Health and Mentoring,” while GSM Lecturer Vanessa Errecarte, also an MBA alumna, shared her expertise on developing a personal brand.

My colleagues, MBA student Marisol Ibarra and MBA alumna Janette Cruz, also serve on the Metro EDGE empowerment committee, so there is plenty of UC Davis MBA representation in organizing, attending, presenting and sponsoring this fabulous forum for the region’s young professionals.

If you are interested in becoming more involved with Metro EDGE, please reach out to me on LinkedIn.