Something that upsets me about the business world today is the lack of opportunities that companies refuse to give to young professionals for no other reason other than the fact that they are young.

If a company has the option of choosing between two individuals for a position, one older and one younger, and the two candidates have the exact same amount of knowledge, skills, and experience, the company is going to choose the older candidate.

Why? Because being smart and experiences isn’t enough if you’re young in age.

I am not sure what it is, but when it comes down to it, companies simply don’t think that young professionals are worth it.

Whether they think we’re not worth the risk, the time commitment, or whatever other excuse they may have, it seems to be the case that no matter the skills, knowledge, or experience, young professionals just cannot catch a break.

Another somewhat similar situation that many young professionals find themselves in is not being able to move up in their company, not being granted certain benefits, or well deserved awards just because there is one other older person who “has been here longer and is thus more deserving”.

It doesn’t matter if the work or accomplishments you have managed to produce in the short 6 months you’ve been with the company surpass those produced by those of longer employment or higher ranking, you’re young and therefore your accomplishments don’t mean anything to them really.

Employers need to learn to get past our age, and the presumptions they have about our age, and instead need to compare us to other employees on equal ground, with the focus being on the quality of our work and the degree of our knowledge, achievements, and experiences.

Us “office babies” may be young, but that doesn’t mean that we should be held to unfair expectations, or that our work and ideas are invalid.

I am eager, excited, and determined to find my place in the work force soon, but it shouldn’t be that for this reason I am also eager to have more candles on my birthday cake.