High school students, as part of the millennial generation, you’re facing an ugly stereotype with potential future employers—you’re lazy, entitled, and generally expecting the world to throw jobs and money at you. Is it true or fair as a blanket statement about every millennial? Of course not. That’s why stereotypes are so harmful. The good news is that while you can’t necessarily combat an ugly stigma about your entire generation, you can insulate yourself from that reputation by doing things that just make good common career sense in today’s world.

Here’s how:

1. Consider getting a part-time job in high school (I’ve written here about the benefits of doing so).

2. Then thrive while you’re there.

3. Then work hard to have a remarkable college career.

4. Earn the guidance of at least one mentor while you’re there.

5. Use those remarkable opportunities not just as opportunities to learn, but also to do.

It won’t be easy (if it were, everyone would do it). But if you do those five things, you’ll not only graduate college with a degree and a resume full of valuable experience, but you’ll also have former professors, mentors, and, most importantly, employers who will speak loudly and proudly as references for you with specific examples of why the stereotype does not apply to you.