College career service offices a great resources for job-hunting, first-generation students and recent grads

Why College Career Service Offices Are Important

First-generation students may face challenges when searching for part-time, seasonal, internship, and entry-level jobs. However, they can minimize or even reverse these disadvantages by working closely with professionals in their college career centers.

Expert Insights

I reached out to career experts to learn more about how first-generation college students can find new jobs. Two experts from Mount Holyoke College shared their insights:

• Roshonda DeGraffenreid, Senior Associate Director, External Relations, emphasized the importance of utilizing the services provided by college career centers.
• Jennifer Watermill, who manages the career exploration and experiential learning team, provided definitions and additional information.

Career Exploration and Experiential Learning

Career centers offer guidance to first-generation college students through:

• Career exploration: Understanding oneself and exploring various careers.
• Experiential learning: Engaging in real-life activities to enrich academic studies and build skills, abilities, and self-awareness.

Examples of experiential learning activities include internships, undergraduate research, laboratory and field experiences, capstone projects, studying abroad, and involvement in student organizations.

Networking and Mentoring

Career centers also provide access to professional networks and mentoring opportunities with alumni and employers, helping first-generation college students build meaningful relationships and experiences that support their post-graduate goals.

Bottom Line

To achieve their career goals, first-generation college students should work closely with their career services office, create a plan, and execute it by engaging in experiential learning activities such as internships and research.