Career Guidance for First-Generation Students was originally published on jobZology.
First-generation college students are learners from households where neither parent (or guardian) has obtained a Bachelor’s degree. In other words, they are the first ones in their immediate family to attend college.
These
students forge their own paths ahead in college without following footsteps
from a previous generation which can be both exciting yet intimidating. In
addition to the stressors that most college students typically face,
first-generation college students face unique challenges that impact their
success.
In fact, research shows that, while first-generation students make up about a third of all college students, just 27% attain degrees within four years[1]. Additionally, compared to students with college-educated parents, first-generation students:
- Are
more likely to attend community college - Are
more likely to attend school part-time[2] - Are
less likely to graduate on time - Are
less likely to have a mentor[3]
Unique
Difficulties for First-Generation College Students
Numerous
factors contribute to the financial, social, and academic challenges faced by
first-generation college students. Some of these include lack of access to a) financial
resources, b) role models and support, and c) up-to-date information about the world
of work.
A. Financial Resources
First-generation college students tend to lack the financial knowledge and resources that continuing-generation college students have. First-gen students are more likely to come from lower-income households. Specifically, 27 percent of first-generation students come from households making $20,000 or less, compared to 6 percent of continuing-generation students.[4]
As
a result, first-generation college students tend to work and borrow more than
their peers, which can have negative consequences on their success. In order to pay for their education, first-generation
college students are borrowing from the federal government at increasing rates
(from 15% in 1997 to approximately 37% in 2013).[5]
B. Role Models and Support
Most
continuing-generation students have access to models of effective education and
career decision-making and receive familial support from parents or guardians
who have previously graduated from college. By definition, first-generation students do
not have parents or guardians who have graduated from college which inherently
reduces their access to such support and models.
This
contributes to reduced college readiness, defined as the practical or academic
knowledge necessary to be successful in college[6].
Without knowledge of the necessities for success and how their education will
support their specific career goals, first-generation students can lag behind
their continuing-generation peers in college readiness.
From college search and application to acceptance and financial planning, and finally preparing for and attending college, children of college-educated parents are able to learn from relatives who have previously attended college. Access to experienced mentors to guide students through these crucial steps can reduce stress throughout the process. First-generation students and their parents often lack such professional networks.[7] Navigating these crucial steps without role models and support contribute to some of the unique challenges that first-generation college students experience.
C. Up-to-Date information about the World of Work
A key consideration when planning one’s educational journey is how that path is connected to and prepares one for their intended careers. Colleges provide academic services for education planning and career services to help students find and prepare for work after graduation. However, data show that a lower percentage of first-generation college students use academic advising services (55%) than continuing-generation students (72%).[8] Further, just 16% of first-generation students made much use of career services in their first-year.8
Supporting
First-Generation College Students
As
an educator or counselor, how might you support first-generation students to
facilitate their success, persistence, and timely graduation from higher
education? First-generation students often need customized attention and
support targeted at the unique barriers they face, like some of the ones listed
above.
Financial
Resources:
Aggregate
financial resources like planning calendars, lists of relevant scholarships, budgeting
spreadsheets, educational information about the loan process, etc. Centralizing
access to critical financial resources can lessen the stress associated with
financial planning.
Role
Models and Support: Make yourself available or connect students to other
individuals and alumni who can answer specific questions about college
application, preparation, success and more. Connect students to on-site staff or
peer-groups to connect individuals to communities the meet regularly for
support and knowledge development to foster success.
Up-to-Date Education and Career Information: Provide students with resources to better understand available opportunities, and how those opportunities are connected to educational paths and majors. Online resources like O*NET or the Bureau of Labor Statistics contain accurate and up-to-date information about job outlook, salaries, and job descriptions. These are resources that can expand a student’s understanding of work opportunities.
Using PathwayU to Support First-generation College Students
PathwayU’s platform not only provides up-to-date occupational information on careers across the nation but uses predictive analytics to show students how their unique internal traits are related to different types of educational and career opportunities.
This is a powerful approach encourages students to not learn just about what fields and majors are available, but which ones they will be most satisfied in and find a sense of purpose in. When students’ interests are aligned with their education and career paths, they tend to be more successful.
With
an online, mobile-friendly platform, PathwayU is accessible for all students in
the classroom or on-the-go, providing relevant occupational and educational
information. This platform can centralize
access to disconnected career resources for a seamless experience and
first-generation college students prepare for higher education and ultimately
be successful in their chosen fields.
[1] http://cmmedia.hs.llnwd.net/v1/naspa_firstgen/dmfile/NASPA-First-generation-Student-Success-Exec-Summary.pdf
[2] https://pnpi.org/first-generation-students/
[3] https://eab.com/insights/daily-briefing/student-affairs/7-fast-facts-about-your-first-generation-students/
[4] https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2017/09/27/new-research-first-generation-students
[5] https://pnpi.org/first-generation-students/
[6] https://www.league.org/innovation-showcase/breaking-down-barriers-first-generation-college-students-and-college-success
[7] https://qz.com/418695/the-unique-challenges-of-a-first-generation-college-student/
[8] https://firstgen.naspa.org/files/dmfile/NASPA_FactSheet-03_FIN.pdf
The post Career Guidance for First-Generation Students appeared first on jobZology.
