Your experience as a first-generation student is unique to you, but know that you are not alone. At Colorado College, approximately 10% of our student body shares this experience. Nationally, about 33% of current higher education students are also the first in their families to attend college. We recognize the additional challenges you may face as a first generation student but also know your experiences bring you a unique set of strengths that will help you succeed in future opportunities.

While being the first in your family to navigate higher education can be both exciting and challenging, many students like you have come together to create supportive communities. We hope to highlight some resources that are designed to help support you in your career journey.

As a first generation student we encourage you to: 

• Ask Questions: As a first-generation college student, you might encounter unfamiliar situations or terms. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from professors, advisors, or peers. Remember, asking questions is a sign of curiosity and a desire to learn, not a sign of weakness.
• Utilize Your Resources: Colorado College offers many resources to support you. Tap into our help at the Career Center, your academic advisors and professors, financial aid services, and other support offices on campus.
• Build Connections: College is a great opportunity to meet new people and build out your support network. Connect with professors, advisors, peers, and CC alumni who can offer guidance. Set aside time to reach out to CC alumni for an informational interview over a video call or to connections at home to get coffee while you’re home on breaks.
• Practice Telling Your Story: Your journey as a first-generation college student is unique to you, and it’s a story worth sharing. Learn to articulate your background, challenges, and aspirations in a way that highlights your strengths and resilience. This skill will not only help you in job interviews but also in building relationships and advocating for yourself in various situations.
• Gain Experience: Getting hands-on experience is key to discovering your strengths and interests. Gaining experience can come in many forms and also occurs at your part-time job, in your student involvement, or during your class experiences. When possible, seek out volunteer opportunities or project based work that align with your career goals.

Getting Connected

You don’t need family connections or friends in the industry to network – there are plenty of ways to get started networking in simple ways. Networking can help you learn more about fields that interest you, ask questions to help in your internship and job search, hear about opportunities, get career advice, and continue to build your network.

Check out the Career Center’s networking guide to learn more.

People you can network with today:

• Peers: This could include your First Year Program Mentor, your Resident Assistant, your co-workers on or off-campus, or leaders in clubs.
• Professors: Ask your professors questions about their own career or utilize their network to see if they can connect you with other former or current students.
• Staff on campus: Ask CC staff if they know other students who have similar interests or experiences to you. Ask for suggestions of clubs to get involved in or events and activities to attend.
• Family: Consider if you have extended family or family friends who are working unique jobs. Ask them if they have co-workers or other friends that would be willing to tell you about their job.
• High school connections: Don’t forget those you met in your home town, including teachers, counselors, former supervisors, or mentors you met prior to coming to CC. Stay connected with those in your home town, especially if you may want to return there after your time at CC.

Resources

Contact the Career Center