By Selina Li, Boston University; Sebastien Cayo, Case Western University; Wanyi Lin, Northeastern University; Victoria Livingston, Boston College; Latchman Ramlocah, UMass Amherst; and Xavian Morales, UMass Boston
Unlike continuing-generation college students, first-generation college students are less likely to have sources who know how to navigate the tempestuous environment that is college and post-graduation. Not only are we limited in those connections, but first-generation students are also less likely to network and use connections, if we have them, to access work opportunities. Roughly 70-80% of jobs are acquired through personal networks, so lacking networks and networking skills leaves first-generation students like us at a great disadvantage when it comes to procuring jobs post-graduation.
To put in perspective the importance of networking, as the second cohort of FirstGen Ahead students, we spent the fall semester gaining first-hand knowledge of the importance of networking. Each of us interviewed at least two people in a career we have an interest in pursuing. In addition, we interviewed someone we admire who has great networking skills to learn about how they’ve achieved that skill set through their mindset or approach. Through conducting these informational interviews, we gained knowledge, newfound connections that can foster social ties in support of our professional advancement and goals, and were able to practice and improve our own networking skills.
We are grateful for the people – professors, mentors, and industry experts – who agreed to meet with us to complete our informational interviews. We would like to share some nuggets of networking and career advice that resonated with us during the informational interviews.
Networking advice:
- Be open to meeting people even if they may not be in a field you are interested in.
- Surround yourself with people who know more than you. Having mentors or people who are more experienced challenges you to grow.
- Practice and be patient with yourself. It’s okay to feel awkward or lost when networking, but the more you reach out to people, the more natural it will feel. Networking is a learned skill.
- Be yourself. Let the conversation flow organically. Ask clarifying questions that build on the previous questions you asked.
- Show that you are paying attention. Say their name at the beginning of the interview. Make eye contact.
Career Advice:
- Present yourself confidently. First impressions are important.
- Be open to the opportunities that come your way. You never know where that opportunity could take you.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
- Don’t lose sight of what interests you. This applies even if it’s a specific aspect of a job.
- Be honest. Know your insecurities and find ways to grow from them.
