‘They have an inflated view of their self-importance’: Muffin Break boss slams ‘lazy’ millennials who refuse to do unpaid work experience because they all want to be Instagram influencers
- Ms Brennan said millennials are no longer seeking unpaid internships
- Instead, they are developing unrealistic expectations from social media
- Online media is now a profitable market for Instagram models and influencers
The boss of Muffin Break has criticised millenials for being lazy and caring more about Instagram than improving their careers.
The company’s general manager Natalie Brennan says she used to received dozens of applications for unpaid work experience and internships – but no longer does.
She said the rise of social media has meant young people believe they can make money from being Instagram influencers and are therefore reluctant to work hard.
Instagram influencer Tahlia Skaines often travels the world promoting bikini brands and clothing. In this picture, she poses alongside a HiSmile Teeth Whitening kit
Ex Bachelor alumni Sopihe Tieman made a successful career out of influencing after her time on the hit show
‘I think everybody thinks social media is going to get them ahead somewhere. There’s definitely that inflated view of their self-importance because they have X amount of Instagram followers or this many likes. That’s dangerous.’
Muffin Break general manager Natalie Brennan says graduates are too concerned with their online image
While a minority are able to make a living out of social media influencing, Ms Brennan argues the likelihood of this happening is slim and is contributing to the ‘unreal view’ and unrealistic expectations.
Ms Brennan told news.com.au despite a near guarantee of future employment for all interns through her company, most youths are unwilling to put in the hard yards early on.
Instead, she said, there is now an expectation ‘that you’re going to come into a company and be the general manager or CEO in five years… with candidates asking, ‘how long before I get my promotion?’ when interviewing.’
She said the steady decline began almost a decade ago and has gotten significantly worse since the Instagram celebrity became a more well-known phenomenon.
Instagram model Tarsha Whitmore has made a career out of her social media presence
And the sense of entitlement continues for some even after they’ve got the job, she claims.
Ms Brennan recalled incidents in which constructive criticism toward employees were skewed to seem like a personal attack.
‘I’m generalising, but it definitely feels like this generation of 20-somethings has to be rewarded even if it’s the most mundane, boring thing, they want to be rewarded for doing their job constantly.’
Online media is now a profitable market for Instagram models and is a legitimate full-time career, with some online stars making thousands of dollars for a single post.
Generally, the influencers are expected to pose alongside a product and provide a review.
Ashley Mescia and her twin sister successfully created a Youtube channel and are now influencers online