The constant accessibility to technology has instilled in millennials the desire to always be connected with others and the expectation of instant gratification in whatever they may be doing. Millennials, especially current college students, have grown up in a technology filled world that becomes more advanced as they age. Social media has created the primary platform in which millennials engage and expect feedback with one another.

Whether it’s following a local brewery on Instagram because they post interesting pictures or sharing that Facebook post you were tagged in so all of your friends can see what you have been up to, the content on a screen holds a lot of weight when it comes to decision making. Technology has lowered people's ability to practice patience in order to see long-term benefits; we want it and we want it now. Instant accessibility is the new norm and nonprofits must adapt and provide that service, otherwise they will fall behind other organizations that have turned to a more technologically centered approach. With that, nonprofits should gear their engagement and recruitment of college students using both technology and personalization.

Here are 4 ways to engage a college student, like me: 

1) Understand and embrace who we are as a demographic.
I am more inclined to donate what money or time I have to nonprofits that are understanding and accommodating to my needs. Being a college student is very different from most other phases in life. You are not quite a full fledged adult, but typically more mature than a teenager. There is not a steady flow of income or huge amounts of time to give due to the demands of being in college. Having an organizational structure that makes me feel like I can benefit without having a big part is crucial to attracting college aged students. Flexibility and willingness to take whatever I am able to offer is a huge selling point when I am choosing to donate.

2) Let us use - and encourage the use of - social media.
Sharing everything we do on social media has become the norm and is actually often the way I find out about organizations and decide to get involved. Providing photo worthy opportunities or hashtags at your nonprofit will increase the likelihood of volunteers wanting to post on social media, which in turn, will drive more interest and possible traffic to your organization. Having tangible ways for your volunteers to see their impact will allow for high levels of instant gratification and more opportunities for them to talk with others about what they did for your nonprofit.

3) Create an engaging social media presence.
Without even realizing I am doing it, I make a judgement about an organization based on their social media accounts. That shows how much technology has impacted our lives and subconsciously influences our perceptions. A positive and engaging social media presence is vital to the recruitment of people to your nonprofit. Something as simple as sharing links to relevant articles and posting pictures of your employees or volunteers are more important than you may realize.

4) Be forward thinking.
With the world constantly changing, investing in organizations that will be successful in the long run is important to people my age. A nonprofit with a broad network of connections and a sustainable future is attractive to millennials because it provides the opportunity to grow within that organization and continue support long-term.