Founder’s Message:
I am a firm believer in giving thanks and creating joy throughout the year, which is especially important during the holiday season. I am particularly grateful to the FirstGen Ahead students who put their faith in us as they navigate the opportunities and challenges in preparing for life after college. Everyone at FirstGen Ahead voluntarily gives of our time and provides guidance because all students need someone in their corner, especially first-generation students who are pioneers in their families. I am equally grateful for the amazing volunteer coaches who show up for their students and for each other. Many coaches go above and beyond with helping me at FirstGen Ahead by recruiting coaches (Mary Henderson, Viola Morse, Carolyn Brandes, and Shanicka Burdine), exploring new partnerships (Jason Maxwell), writing articles (Carolyn Brandes and Pnina Steiner), and more! Leading the pack is our master coach and counseling psychologist, Dr. Lois Benishek, who has been a source of motivation, joy, and knowledge before FirstGen Ahead was officially launched. Our organizational partners – The Steppingstone Foundation and the Student Support Services Program at Brandeis University – are equally committed to the success of our shared scholars and are inspirational in living their mission. Encore Boston Network, in which FirstGen Ahead is a member, has been a fantastic resource in connecting us with opportunities. Even one of our alums, Mariane St. Juste, is organizing a FirstGen student tour of the lab where she works and a panel presentation of researchers at different stages of their careers. During this holiday season, may we all reflect and directly give thanks to those in our lives who make a difference. It will not only be meaningful for you, but you will bring joy to others who matter.
Susan Gershenfeld, PhD
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“It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.” ― Anonymous
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How Much Information is Needed
to Make a Decision?
Some decisions are deeply consequential, other decisions can shape your life for a period of time, and still, other decisions are less impactful. Getting married and having a baby are two examples of consequential decisions that change your life forever. Decisions that can shape your life for a considerable period of time include what you study, what career you decide to pursue, and how you manage your money. Less impactful decisions are broader and more frequent in scope, such as what you wear and how you spend your leisure time. As decisions become more consequential, the number of things you need to take into account increases.
For students participating in FirstGen Ahead, a key decision you face is what career path is right for you. How much information is needed to decide on your career path? How do you find the most relevant information?
While the answers to these questions vary depending on your interests, your tolerance for risk and other factors, it’s smart to gather enough information to look for emerging patterns and themes. Then it’s important to test this information to see if it holds up against your goals and life circumstances.
For example, Sam is considering pursuing a career in which he can help people successfully work through trauma. His belief that he would be good at counseling has been reinforced by others who know him. While his interests and skills seem to be a perfect match for this type of profession, he’ll be graduating college with debt, knows he’ll need to go to graduate school, and recognizes that he can only rely on himself to put a roof over his head and food on the table. As a soon-to-be first-generation college graduate, he also has the added emotional weight of proving the value of a college degree to his immigrant family. During a recent informational interview, Sam learned about the low starting salary of a recently licensed clinical social worker who works with trauma patients and who also comes from an immigrant background. Based on this one data point, Sam has given pause to pursuing this career path and has uncertainty about what other career options might be a fit for him based on his interests, skills, values, and life circumstances. Sam was about to walk away from doing what he most cares about based on one data point.
Sam’s story resonates with many first-generation college students. The way Sam’s FirstGen Ahead coach is proceeding to guide him is to collect more information and not rely on just this one data point. This includes having additional informational interviews, not only with licensed clinical social workers but with other types of counseling professionals, including psychologists. This also includes online research to collect more nuanced information, such as the median starting salary for different types of counselors, across different sectors, in different regions of the country, and how has this changed over time? What are the opportunities for advancement? What are the academic requirements and costs for different graduate programs and what are the placement rates?
In the end, the goal is for Sam and students like Sam to make informed decisions based on interests, skills, personal values, and life circumstances. Because a career choice is a decision with many long-term consequences, it requires multiple inputs – information, self-awareness, and learning. As decisions become more consequential, the number of things you need to take into account increases. Facilitating this time-intensive process is one of the key components of the FirstGen Ahead experience and is clearly in line with our mission of teaching our students' decision-making skills that will serve them throughout all stages of their evolving careers.
Image Source: https://www.creative.onl/startupsgeek/3-principles-digital-decision-making/
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Visualizing Personal Current and Projected Networks
Networking might not come naturally to the majority of us, which is a problem since well over 70% of people in the U.S. obtain their positions based on people they know. We cannot ignore this fact and need to be proactive despite the challenges we may face with networking, especially during the continuing pandemic.
At FirstGen Ahead, new students completed a visual representation of what their network looks like now and were asked to create a visual representation of what they want their network to look like a year from now. They were also asked to strategize or plan for expanding and deepening their existing network.
Students approached this task in different ways. Some students identified categories of networks such as “work” or “church” connections, while other students named specific individuals within their network. Some students focused on the type of support they received through different people in their network (informational, emotional, etc.), while others observed through this exercise what kinds of supports they most need and are missing.
Having an awareness of personal networks is key to strengthening what is currently available and developing what is needed going forward. Further dialogue with coaches on network maps will provide additional insight and make sure networking - and the skills needed to network - is on the priority list while students are in college and working in their chosen careers.
Image Source: https://www.clipartmax.com/max/m2H7m2i8m2b1m2b1/
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Benefit from FirstGen Ahead’s
Upcoming Virtual Networking Event
FirstGen Ahead is hosting our second virtual networking event Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 1-2pm ET. This is an opportunity for students to practice their elevator pitches, learn from people in professions they are considering pursuing, and potentially expand their professional networks. Coaches of the students who are attending have also been invited, as well as one or two guests based on the professional interests of students.
This year’s event will include guests with experience in the fields of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), human resources, social work, data analytics, business, finance, user experiences, engineering, life sciences, health care, and research. The structure of the event includes brief introductions with the full group and then break-out rooms with students, coaches, and guests who share similar professional interests. We’ll rejoin as a full group at the end by sharing at least one new insight from the conversations had.
Don’t forget to check your email for the Zoom link and more details on how to prepare for the event. Finally, if you haven’t already done so, remember to send Susan@FirstGenAhead.org your address before this Wednesday (December 15) to receive a tin of homemade holiday treats in advance of the virtual networking event.
Image Source;https://blog.toasty.ai/virtual-networking-events/
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Enhance Your Career Search by Participating in a Virtual Job Shadowing
By Pnina Steiner
FirstGen Ahead Master Resume and Interview Coach
In a time when virtual interactions are the norm, virtual job shadowing can be an excellent way to further your career exploration and networking. The upcoming winter break is a great time to do a virtual job shadow.
What is a Virtual Job Shadow?
A virtual job shadow is a half or full-day experience connecting with a professional to gain insight into a day in the life of a job of interest. It involves talking with and observing one or more professionals. It might involve attending a virtual staff meeting that can allow you to observe and gain insight into a company’s culture or it may allow you to work virtually on a real problem and help develop a solution.
Why Should I Consider a Virtual Job Shadowing?
Virtual job shadowing can help you:
- Narrow down career options by gaining knowledge about various careers.
- Meet new professional contacts who help broaden your network for future opportunities.
- Enhance your opportunity to be selected for future employment (internship/full-time positions).
- Gain knowledge on company culture and new technologies.
How to Find a Virtual Job Shadow?
First, an effective way to find a virtual job shadow is through professional and social networking sites such as LinkedIn. Second, your university career services office can help you find alumni who you can then reach out to determine if they can offer you a job shadow opportunity. Third, don’t discount the benefits of personal acquaintances such as friends. Ask your network, including your FirstGen Ahead coach, if they know anyone they can connect you to in the field, position, or career you are interested in.
You can also search for companies you want to work for. Visit their websites and look for potential contacts such as hiring managers and supervisors who can help you find a job shadow. In particular, search for professionals with job titles you are interested in. Most professionals have an interest in giving back and sharing knowledge and resources to help students. They remember what it was like to be in your situation and are happy to help.
Tips for Virtual Shadowing
Consider virtual job shadowing with the same professionalism as an in-person internship. Show up as if you were to be physically present. Dress appropriately (according to the company dress code) and communicate professionally.
- Become familiar with the software/application that is being used to host the experience prior to the meeting.
- Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and bandwidth needed to support the meeting.
- Be sure to have the time blocked off and all other programs or running applications closed down, including your cell phone, so there are no distractions.
- Be physically seen and heard and don’t hide behind the mute and camera icon during your meeting.
- Make sure to send a thank you note to the person you shadowed within a day or two after your meeting.
Though virtual job shadows are different from informational interviews, you most likely will have an opportunity to learn one-on-one about the career journey of others. Here are some sample questions to ask the professional you are virtually shadowing:
1. How did you choose this profession?
2. Describe your position and the major areas for which you are responsible.
3. What education or training was required?
4. What do you like most/least about your job?
5. Describe typical first-year assignments and/or applicable internship projects.
6. Is it possible for me to contact you in the future? If so, how should I do that?
Online Helpful Virtual Job Shadow Resources
Image source: https://www.virtualjobshadow.com/ten-reasons
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Money Matters
Financial literacy centers, classes, and workshops are popping up across universities and for good reason (see article below). Setting and managing personal budgets is foundational to being able to invest in your future. In this new, column, advice relating to money will be shared – one piece of advice at a time. In addition, check out what your university has to offer on financial literacy! The first piece of advice is to pay attention to how you spend money. Most people spend too much money: a latte per day, a dress or brand-name sneakers, and unnecessary restaurant meals are really not needed. Life without these may seem meager, but it doesn’t compare to being old and poor, which is where you’re headed if you can’t save.
Image Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/money/a32224339/money-saving-tips/
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Did You Know?
Pew researchers report that among college graduates with any outstanding debt for their education, first-generation college graduates tend to owe more and make less than second-generation peers. About two-thirds (65%) of first-generation college graduates owe at least $25,000 compared with 57% of second-generation college graduates. First-generation college students are twice as likely to report they are behind in making student loan payments. First-generation college students are 2.7 times more likely to default on college debt than students whose parents have achieved higher education. For adults who do complete a bachelor’s degree, the median household income for households headed by a first-generation college graduate ($99,600) is substantially lower than the income for households headed by a second-generation graduate ($135,800).
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How Would You Answer This Question?
How would you respond to this potential job interview question: “What are your salary expectations for this position?”
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Virtual Networking Event, Sunday, Dec. 19, 1-2pm ET. A Zoom link and details were emailed to participants.
Coach Support Session, Sunday, Jan. 9, 7-8pm ET. Coach Meeting facilitated by Dr. Lois Benishek. A Zoom link will be sent in advance to all current coaches.
Student Peer Group Session, Sunday, Jan. 23, 7-8pm ET. Facilitated by Dr. Susan Gershenfeld. A Zoom link will be sent in advance to students admitted in 2021.
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