For ambitious workers at the beginning of their careers, youth feels like a smudge on a resume—something to downplay, distract from, apologize for. According to a recent article on, even the achievements of star performers are discounted if they’re young. They are described as “aspiring” or having “potential” rather than recognized for their skill.

While millennials are plagued by stereotypes like being tech-obsessed, entitled and apathetic, they are the rising class that will make up 36% of the workforce by 2014 and 46% by 2020, and they offer unique skills that are increasingly vital to a company’s future.

So it’s time to own up and embrace the very thing that differentiates you. You can’t hide your age. It’s written on your face. Here’s how to flip the stereotypes and make your youth an indispensable asset.

You are experienced.

Today’s young people are armed with more experience than they realize. Summer jobs, internships, tutoring, studying abroad, school clubs, sports participation and volunteer work all demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, work ethic and social skills. “Many 20-somethings undervalue their own paid and unpaid work despite the wealth of knowledge and skills acquired from such positions,” says Dick Batten, Ph.D., head of recruiting and organizational effectiveness at Karp Resources in New York. Instead, point out these activities and identify the key capabilities gleaned from them.

You’re untethered and flexible.

Young people generally don’t yet have mortgages or dependents that need their undivided attention. That means they are able to stay plugged in, work around the clock if necessary, travel on short notice and relocate if an opportunity becomes available. Beth Mooney, chief executive of banking giant KeyCorp, last year told me that being able to pick up and go was a main selling point early in her career. She zigzagged across the country taking new roles that challenged her. Position yourself as available and ready to live and breathe the job. Employers will notice.

You’re energetic.

Young workers often have a rare and valuable attribute: unbridled energy, hunger and eagerness on the job. “For a recent grad to show up early, be ready to do whatever needs to be done and show a sincere eagerness to learn, achieve and grow professionally is a real differentiator that someone with a few years of prior experience can’t truly bring to the table,” says executive recruiter Dennis Grady of Spire Search Partners in New Jersey. Use it to your advantage. Express your enthusiasm. Volunteer to do the projects others may not want.

You are uniquely tapped into a key demographic.

“Companies spend a lot of money researching and marketing to your age group,” says Shara Senderoff, co-founder and CEO of online internship resource Intern Sushi. Position yourself as an expert on your generation. You think like them. The time you spend at bars after work and on weekends is market research. “Capitalize on being a part of such a hot target audience by regularly offering insight to your employer as a member of that group. You’ll become an invaluable resource.” Nina Beckhardt, the 26-year-old founder and president of branding agency The Naming Group, used her insight into the Gen-Y consumer mindset to win clients like General Motors and Capital One, who were looking for an edge in the youth market.