Career Advice for the Millenial in 2025: Meaning Over Management

As the largest generation in the workforce today, millennials are reshaping what it means to build a meaningful career in 2025. Often misunderstood as job-hoppers or entitled, today’s millennial professionals are actually driven by something deeper: purpose, learning, and well-being.

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Millennial Survey, engagement at work for this generation hinges on three critical elements: meaning, money, and well-being

. In an economy marked by slower wage growth and fewer clear-cut career ladders, millennials are no longer chasing titles—they’re chasing impact.

At The Bommer Group, a leading executive search firm in life sciences and adjacent markets, we’ve seen firsthand how high-growth companies are evolving to attract this generation. Here's how today’s millennial job seekers can navigate the market strategically—and find organizations where they can thrive.

1. Seek Out High-Trust Leadership—It’s a Game-Changer

In a high-trust environment, innovation flows faster, teams collaborate better, and individuals feel psychologically safe. In fact, Harvard Business Review reports that employees at high-trust companies are 76% more engaged, 50% more productive, and 40% less likely to experience burnout.

How to spot a high-trust company during interviews:

• Ask how they define high performance. Do they value team-based results or only individual achievement?

• Listen for signs that they hire for culture add (what makes you unique), not just culture fit.

• Look for inclusive leadership, transparency, and a commitment to diversity—not just on a DEI statement, but in the way they speak about team success.

2. Choose Companies That Invest in Talent—Not Just Titles

In this market, stagnant org charts and leaner teams can make upward mobility feel like a waiting game. That’s why learning and development is the new currency of career growth.

According to a 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their development. Millennials want to grow through exposure, coaching, cross-functional experiences, and real-time feedback.

During your interview process:

• Ask for examples of how they support continuous learning.

• Look for structured mentorship or rotational programs.

• Seek clarity on how success is measured outside of promotions.

3. Consider Lateral Moves to Build a Better Career Portfolio

In a world where AI and digital fluency are changing job scopes rapidly, lateral moves can be a smarter bet than chasing titles. Gartner research shows that employees who make lateral career moves are 2x more likely to be high performers over time.

Millennials are increasingly prioritizing skill acquisition and flexibility over hierarchy. A lateral move into a new function, technology, or business model might be the pivot that leads to your most meaningful work.

Think: What new skills could unlock more impact—for you and the teams you serve?

Final Thought: Don’t Just Apply—Align

Your career is more than a job. It’s your platform to learn, contribute, and grow in ways that align with your values. So don’t just send resumes—do your research. Find companies that practice what they preach when it comes to trust, learning, and well-being.

At The Bommer Group, we specialize in aligning mission-driven organizations with top-tier talent who want more than just a title—they want to make a difference.

Looking for your next opportunity at a company that truly values people?Let us introduce you to life sciences innovators who are building cultures where the next generation of leaders will thrive.📩 Get in touch with us today or follow us on LinkedIn for the latest executive and leadership opportunities.