By Samantha Cohen
The University Career Center hosted a community, culture and careers night on Wednesday for first-generation Terps to meet each other and hear from a panel of accomplished first-generation students.
The University of Maryland defines first-generation students as those whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree. Often, this also refers to students who are the first in their families to attend an American college.
Throughout the program, the panelists answered questions about facing challenges as first-generation students, advocating for yourself and overall advice to current students.
One of the biggest challenges discussed was imposter syndrome: feeling less than or not belonging. They urged students to surround themselves with a support system to tackle this feeling.
Born to immigrant parents from Nigeria, Olivia Nwokoma, who graduated from UMD last semester, understands the value of a support system.
“A lot of the common knowledge was there. [My parents] were able to help me out with a lot of things, but also, emotionally sometimes and culturally, there was a disconnect,” Nwokoma said. “So, I would have to turn to my peers and community a lot, but they have been helpful, nonetheless.”
The panel discussed the importance of allowing yourself to explore different paths, saying it is the only way to find an environment where you’ll feel happy and comfortable.
Within this exploration, there are obstacles. Students must find people as part of their professional journey to overcome those obstacles.
Panelist Huong Truong, a HESI doctorate student and a resident director of fraternity and sorority life at UMD, found comfort in the group she surrounded herself with during a time of shifting paths.
“Because I dreamed aloud, I built a community that supported the dream. I found people who cared about the dream,” Truong said.
Interviewing for jobs can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to the financial aspect. The panelists encouraged students to always advocate for themselves and to clarify their salary expectations, never underestimating their worth.
In instances of rejection, the panelists discussed trusting the process and always asking for feedback. The only way to learn and improve is by asking questions.
The event served as a place for students to not only learn from others’ experiences but also network.
“I am so happy I came to this event. I think it was super insightful,” Nwokoma said. “I’m definitely going to connect with everyone that was on the panel and everyone who organized the event because I just feel like they are all super incredible people.”
The event was put together by career center faculty, including Jenny Sak, a graduate assistant for the Career, Education, and Exposure Team.
“I hope that students got a sense of community and relative information in their navigation and alleviate some of the misconceptions about the career process. But my biggest goal was to get them in the door because I recognize that first-gen students don’t know what the career center does,” Sak said.
“Being a first-gen myself and being a career advisor now, I recognize those gaps in exposure and awareness, and if they want more resources, it’s more so just connecting with us,” she said.
Featured Image: A slide from the presentation at community, culture and careers night in Hornbake Library on Nov. 8, 2023. Photo by Samantha Cohen.