By: Shanique Crossdale
Being a first-generation college student isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. However, we all have something in common – as the trailblazers, the firsts, and the “here goes… something” within our immediate families.
Many of us applied to college while feeling unsure that it was attainable. We sometimes lacked answers to questions other applicants already had answers to:
“How will my family afford it?”
“What should my major be?”
“When should I start applying for scholarships, and how?”
In high school, you dreamed about attending college. You jumped into the college application process and pool with your fingers crossed that all your hard work will keep you afloat, and it did!
During the job search process, the following thoughts can be pretty discouraging:
“Do I have enough job experience to land this role?”
“I don’t think my resume is any good.”
“What do I say during an interview?”
“This job application require a cover letter? How do I write one?”
However, just remember how far you’ve come with a simple “here goes… something,” and imagine how much more you can accomplish once you have confronted all these insecurities.
First, utilize all the career development services and resources available to you:
The Center for Career Development (CCD) provides identity-centered resources for first-generation students and other underrepresented populations. These resources center on finding a job/internship from a list of tailored opportunities, joining groups to create a network with others of that identity, and highlighting identity-centered support on campus, such as the Newbury Center.
Second, don’t overthink it. Take it one step at a time:
Prepare the necessary documents. The CCD provides services for creating resumes/CVs, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, enhancing your internship/job search, and much more. Utilizing CCD services will help you dominate the application process. Another exciting feature of the CCD is its Professional Clothing Closet, which provides free professional clothing to students, no questions asked. You’ll ace your interview with confidence and style.
Third, remember to be patient with yourself:
If you don’t land this opportunity, there are others out there that may be an even better fit for you! Continue the job search process, build your network, and improve your professional online presence to increase your chances of receiving an offer. A good platform for tackling these goals is LinkedIn. This platform allows you to create a profile that highlights your professional brand, allowing employers and recruiters to get to know you and assess your fit for a role. You will also enjoy connecting with others (first-gen alumni and employees!), gradually growing a strong network, and broadening your career opportunities.
In addition, the CCD hosts events and workshops on networking, among other career topics and career fairs. You will get the chance to learn and practice your networking skills by attending these events, so keep an eye out for updates on the CCD’s Event Calendar.
It’s okay to feel discouraged – just know you have a wealth of support at the CCD and beyond.
You may not always have everything figured out, but in order to move, you first need to start. You got this, trailblazer!
BU + Beyond 