TAP INTO THEIR FUTURE Innovative Car eer Programming

TAP INTO THEIR FUTURE Innovative Car eer Programming for First Generational Graduates Chandria Lucious Harris M. S. , G. C. D. F. , C. C. S. P. Tennessee State University

Session Agenda Session Goals: • Provide full insight into psychological barriers First Generational Graduates face and program solutions to debunk their fears. • Innovative programming that cultivates First Generational Graduates to achieve their highest goals and dreams. Thank you for joining!

Hidden Minority The two most widely used definitions of FG college students are 1) those students whose parents matriculated, but never graduated with a bachelor’s degree 2) those students whose parents never persisted past a high school diploma. (Higher Ed Act 1965)

You only see what you are focused on.

First- Generational Graduates are Focused On: Demands • Learning the ins and outs of required campus services (financial aid, advising, bursars office) • Working in college to supplement tuition demands. • Financially and mentally supporting family demands at home. • Fitting into new environment and all the pressures of becoming a college student. • Surviving

First Generation Student Psychological Barriers • Overwhelming high pressure to do well quickly. (instantly) • Very little financial support or backing. • Little to no knowledge on how to navigate college services. • The feeling of not belonging or lack of support. • Happy, hopeful and full of faith but… HELP

Where are the students?

Trying to fulfill their basic (present) needs. CAREER DEVELOPMENT IS ON THEIR MIND BUT IS NOT A CURRENT PRIORITY BECAUSE OF ALL OF THEIR CURRENT DEMANDS & BARRIERS.

First Thing First ______ Your Mom has called and texted you three times wanting to discuss things she needs help with at home. It is 4: 00 p. m. You are sure the call will last about 30 minutes at least. ______ Your professor has recommended you to attend tonight’s tutoring session for math support. Tutoring is scheduled tonight from 5: 00 p. m. – 6: 00 p. m. _____ The Career Development Center is hosting an event with an employer on campus. The event is from 4: 30 p. m. – 5: 30 p. m. ______ An organization you are interested in joining is hosting an event on campus and you are invited to attend. The event is from 4: 00 p. m. – 5: 15 p. m. ______ You checked your account and noticed there was a 4, 000 balance.

First-Generational Graduates struggle with planning for the future (career) because of their current life demands.

(FG/URM) Stressors & Effects Stressors /Focused On Effects? Choosing Major Feeling Judged in Career Services Financial Hardship Dressing for Success Working during free time Missing Career Services Events Feeling “Underprepared” Avoid Evaluative Situations Overwhelmed Do Nothing Social Comparison

TAP INTO THEIR FUTURE CONVENIE NT CA RE E R S ERVICES Virtual Appointments Inclusive Access A Motivating Atmosphere DIY Convenient Templates Extended Hours “Meeting Them Where They Are”

Creating Innovative Programming • Identify what they are focused on and include career development. Example: Part-time job (uncovering skills gained) Virtual Session on making Part-time job work for your future career. • Story telling: Invite Division leaders to share their stories on your social media sites and include their struggle to success. • Always begin any event with a moment of appreciation and motivation. • Be visible when they are vulnerable. Etc. . Before interviews, after exams, practicing for interviews.

Successful Career Programs Suit-Up Event Top 30 Over 3. 0 What’s Up Wednesdays

What’s Up Wednesday • Career and Life Blog exclusively for Tennessee State University Students. • Weekly reminder of what’s going on in the Career Center. • Sometimes we will host special guest and discuss major topics. • Fun and interactive way to get everyone involved. • Students can write questions as we speak.

Top 30 over 3. 0 Distinguished Young Professionals • Inspired by Forbes, students compete to become the Career Center’s Distinguished Young Professionals. • Requirements included FG/URM barriers. Example: If you worked a part-time job for more than 3 months you were eligible to use as an internship. • 5 hours of Professional Development mandatory • Students served as Ambassadors and mentors to Freshmen students visiting Career Center. • Reception with Employers.

JCPenney Suit-Up Event • Exclusive shopping experience for TSU students. (Sunday Night from 6: 00 p. m. – 8: 00 p. m. ) • Alumni donated money to assist students with purchasing clothing. $2000. 00 • Transportation was provided by the Career Center. • JCPenney sponsored 10 students full attire. • Dress for success tutorials before shopping event. • Items were deeply discounted. (Event was held after students received reimbursements from Financial Aid). • Strategically held a week before Fall Career Fair.

• Meet students where they are by strategically planning events that will debunk their barriers. • Understand First Generational/Under Represented issues and plans activities accordingly. • Be visible when they are vulnerable. (Schedule social media posts during late hours to encourage students who are making life choices. • Students shouldn’t have to present their needs. Provide inclusive access so all students feel welcomed, confident and prepared. TAP INTO THEIR FUTURE

References: • https: //www 2. ed. gov/about/offices/list/ope/triohea. pdf • http: //www. naceweb. org/career-development/special-populations/careerdevelopment-needs-of-first-generation-students/ • https: //www. washingtonpost. com/posteverything/wp/2015/06/03/guilt-is-one-of-thebiggest-struggles-first-generation-college-students-face/? utm_term=. e 491 c 2176383 • https: //files. eric. ed. gov/fulltext/EJ 1002281. pdf

Thank You for Joining Us! Chandria@hirecultures. com (662 -364 -3132) www. chandriaharris. com