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First-Gen: Networking & Resources

2 min readnovember 12, 2021

First-Gen: Networking & Resources

Don't let the fact that you may be the first one in your family going through the college and career process intimidate you! Even if you don't know exactly what you're doing, there are tons of resources and people who can help you out. Remember that as a first-gen student you have many unique strengths, qualities, and skills that will help you on your career journey and move you towards success!

First, we recommend looking into your school/potential school's clubs. Most colleges have a first-gen student network, which connects you to your peers and mentors. Take advantage of these resources, and use the classroom presentations, appointments with advisors, peer connections, and extra events. Remember these resources are specifically to help people like you, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Additionally, take every meeting as an opportunity! Networking throughout your college experience is really important, and super helpful in your career future as well. Create a LinkedIn, get contact information after attending events, connect with alumni, and start building a network. Once you take the first few steps you will start to notice growth. Developing connections and building your social capital will also help you learn about careers, give you insights into the internship and job search. Here's an amazing guide to networking put together by a first-gen student at Willamette University. Don't rule out cold networking either! Contacting professionals who you may not know can lead to huge benefits, just make it's done in a respectful and persistent manner.

Your college degree is only one aspect of going into the career field. Try to gain hands-on experience through internships, extracurriculars, and working with professionals.

If you find yourself needing additional support, check out the list of resources on the next page, First-Gen: Support & Finding Your Fit.

🤝Connect with other students learning about Networking and Resources with Hours

First-Gen: Networking & Resources

2 min readnovember 12, 2021

First-Gen: Networking & Resources

Don't let the fact that you may be the first one in your family going through the college and career process intimidate you! Even if you don't know exactly what you're doing, there are tons of resources and people who can help you out. Remember that as a first-gen student you have many unique strengths, qualities, and skills that will help you on your career journey and move you towards success!

First, we recommend looking into your school/potential school's clubs. Most colleges have a first-gen student network, which connects you to your peers and mentors. Take advantage of these resources, and use the classroom presentations, appointments with advisors, peer connections, and extra events. Remember these resources are specifically to help people like you, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Additionally, take every meeting as an opportunity! Networking throughout your college experience is really important, and super helpful in your career future as well. Create a LinkedIn, get contact information after attending events, connect with alumni, and start building a network. Once you take the first few steps you will start to notice growth. Developing connections and building your social capital will also help you learn about careers, give you insights into the internship and job search. Here's an amazing guide to networking put together by a first-gen student at Willamette University. Don't rule out cold networking either! Contacting professionals who you may not know can lead to huge benefits, just make it's done in a respectful and persistent manner.

Your college degree is only one aspect of going into the career field. Try to gain hands-on experience through internships, extracurriculars, and working with professionals.

If you find yourself needing additional support, check out the list of resources on the next page, First-Gen: Support & Finding Your Fit.

🤝Connect with other students learning about Networking and Resources with Hours



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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.