First Generation

First Generation

Being the first in your family to attend college is a significant milestone. It shapes your experience in unique ways as you navigate parts of the college and career landscape that your family may not have experienced. At the Lewis & Clark Career Center, we recognize both the unique challenges you face and the distinct strengths, experiences, and perspectives you bring to our campus and future workplaces.

Navigating Unique Barriers

First-generation students often encounter overlapping barriers during career development:

• Balancing college with jobs to support yourself or your family can limit the time available for campus events, resume workshops, or career fairs. 
• Financial needs can also make pursuing unpaid or low-paid internships difficult without dedicated support.
• Without family members who attended college or built connections across corporate and professional sectors, accessing industry advice or direct professional referrals can feel out of reach.
• Navigating workplace expectations, reaching out to professionals, or building a network from scratch often requires learning a “hidden curriculum” that other students may have learned at home.

None of these challenges mean you are less prepared, capable, or qualified. They simply mean you may have had fewer formal opportunities to learn about specific professional systems — and we are here to bridge that gap.

Recognizing Your Strengths

Overcoming these unfamiliar situations develops powerful, real-world assets. First-generation students frequently cultivate:

• Demonstrated ability to navigate financial, structural, and social obstacles.
• Motivation to honor and elevate their families, schools, and communities.
• Willingness to step into the unknown, take smart risks, and forge new paths.
• Deep personal commitment to transforming their lives through higher education.
• Persistent drive to maintain focus and pursue goals despite setbacks.

Attending college is often more than a personal goal; it creates new possibilities for you, your family, and your community. Being first-generation is a key part of your journey, and identifying where you need support helps you maximize the opportunities available to you.

How the Career Center Helps

You do not need to have your career figured out — or know how the system works — before walking through our doors. We are here to make the career development process clear, accessible, and achievable.

We support first-generation students by:

• Breaking down professional steps, resume formats, and networking strategies without assuming prior knowledge.
• Helping you find paid internships, experiential learning, and funding options to make hands-on experience doable.
• Facilitating meaningful connections with alumni, employers, faculty, and mentors who want to support your goals.
• Coaching you on how to articulate the unique strengths and skills gained from your background to potential employers.
• Offering a welcoming space to ask questions, practice interviewing, build confidence, and map out your next steps.

You do not have to navigate your career path alone. Whether exploring majors, applying for jobs, or simply figuring out where to start, the Career Center is here to help you build a career that is meaningful to you.