You’ve spent the last four years, give or take, obtaining your degree. The older people you encountered on campus were likely very supportive of your goals and dreams.

However, once you graduate and move into the workforce, you won’t always find the same level of support. In fact, some older workers view Millennials and Generation Z as lesser than generations that came before.

One study indicated that many companies hesitate to hire people under 30 years old because they seem less dependable and as though they have a poor work ethic.

Even when they do hire young workers, they sometimes pay them less than a livable wage or treat them disrespectfully.

Below are some fundamental ways to recognize if you're discriminated against because of your age and how to handle these situations.

1. Handling Comments About Age

Even though the laws are set up to protect older people from discrimination, that doesn’t mean younger people don’t face discrimination because of their age as well. Older workers might make comments about your youth and inexperience.

While these assumptions might be correct in some areas, you likely have the technology and educational skills to bring to the table that older workers may not have.

How to respond: You’ve probably heard the saying that actions speak louder than words. Learn to create your own opportunities in the workplace, and don’t be afraid to show off the skills you have. Over time, people will come to appreciate your knowledge in these areas.

2. Dealing With Nasty Tones

Sometimes, the way you're treated isn't as apparent as an outright comment about your age. Co-workers might speak to you in a demanding or demeaning tone of voice that makes you feel less respected than other co-workers in your same role.

They may not add please or thank you to their demands, just expecting you to "pay your dues" and put in the time that they have to earn respect. Older workers just don’t respect your skills.

How to respond: Put in your time, but seek out a position where age isn’t such an issue. Companies started by Millennials or that hire a lot of millennials will naturally show more respect to younger generations and the ideas they bring to the table.

One thing you should never do is allow someone else’s behavior to define yours. Don’t respond back with the same tone, but remain true to yourself and the way you respect all people regardless of age.

3. Being Denied a Job

You may find it difficult to land the job of your dreams fresh out of college. Companies may indicate you don’t have enough “experience,” which can sometimes be code for pointing out how young you are.

For example, you may have worked in a position every summer doing exactly the type of work you’re applying for, but you’re still told you don’t have enough experience.

How to respond: Ask employers what else you can add to your resume that would help you gain the experience they'd like to see. Don't be afraid to work as an intern for a company you want to work at.

Sometimes you need to prove your commitment and ability to do the work for a few months before being hired on. You can also take a job you don’t particularly want but that allows you to gain more experience. Then, apply again.

4. Receiving a Low Salary

One study found that Millennials receive about 20 percent less salary proportionately than Baby Boomers did at the same stage in their careers. Many factors that play into this situation, including competition and economic growth in the United States.

However, there are also some employers who believe it’s okay to pay a younger worker less because they don’t have the experience to find another position as easily.

There are situations where millennials don’t make a living wage, must take on second jobs or are forced to live at home with parents longer than they’d like.

How to respond: You deserve a wage you can live on. If your employer is paying you disproportionately low, take the time to print out average entry-level salaries in your area for your position.

Ask for a meeting and approach your employer respectfully but armed with facts. Stress that you're having trouble making ends meet, then ask for a raise to make your salary more in line with where it should be for your marketplace.

Handling Age Discrimination the Right Way

Unfortunately, some of the discrimination you’ll face is difficult to prove. Your best bet is focusing on gaining the skills and reputation you need to build your career.

You won’t always be in your early twenties, after all. Time has a way of eliminating discrimination because of your youth.

What you can do to make a positive change is to remember how it felt to be treated as less just because of your age, and strive to treat younger generations better.