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Are you a first generation professional? You may belong to this demographic without knowing that there is even a term for it. First generation professionals are those who are the first in their families to enter the professional workforce.
You may also find that colleges often offer guidance to students who are first in their families to go to college. And while earning a degree as a first generation college student is a huge success and sign of resiliency in a difficult academic world, the first generation experience doesn’t end there.
Many first generation professionals and their communities face institutional barriers that have historically made it difficult for them to obtain college degrees. For this reason, being a first generation professional may result in feeling pressure and responsibility to pave paths for other family or community members. The emotional effects of being a first generation professional can include feelings of loneliness and imposter syndrome.
Understandably, entering the professional workforce can feel most intimidating for someone who might not have a point of reference. If you are a first generation professional, here’s how to integrate yourself into the professional world and find a support network to not only become comfortable in this environment, but learn to thrive in it.
Don’t forget that as a first generation professional, you have likely already made it through the highly competitive academic world that is college.
For example, filling out forms you’re not familiar with can be intimidating, but this can also be an exciting opportunity to learn about benefits you never knew existed. Culture and language often varies from workplace to workplace and that’s something that you’ll have to adapt to regardless of how much you read up on common workplace lingo. Rather than feeling like you’re responsible for any confusion, remind yourself that starting a new job comes with a learning curve, no matter who you are.
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