Limited Professional Networks

Unlike peers from families with deeply established careers in technology and related fields, first-generation students often lack built-in industry connections. The absence of inherited professional networks and support generally makes it more challenging to discover opportunities, gain insider knowledge, and secure referrals for positions.

This networking gap often extends beyond just job referrals. Continuing-generation students frequently benefit from family members who can provide insider knowledge about salary negotiations, workplace culture, and career advancement strategies. They might also have informal mentoring through their parents’ professional circles. For first-generation students, building these connections requires more intentional effort and strategic networking.

Financial Pressures

The financial burden of education can be onerous on first-generation graduates. Studies show that over two-thirds of students carry student loan debt exceeding $25,000, which can significantly influence their early career choices. Research from First-Gen Forward shows that financial pressures lead 34% of these graduates to accept less desirable positions, compared to 29% of their peers from college-educated families.

Balancing Personal and Professional Obligations

First-generation students often have to juggle multiple responsibilities outside of their studies. They’re more likely to maintain part-time or full-time jobs to support themselves and their families while in school. These multiple commitments limit the time and energy available for job searching, networking, and professional development activities — all of which are vital for finding optimal IT positions.

Imposter Syndrome

Added stress and pressures contribute to higher rates of impostor syndrome in first-generation college students. This persistent feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt can be especially pronounced in IT, where rapid technological changes and high performance expectations are the norm. Though these graduates are just as qualified as any other, it can be very taxing to work through imposter syndrome and build adequate confidence in one’s IT skills to pursue better career opportunities.

Build Skills in College

Networking matters, but success in IT is most often the result of hard work and dedicated skill development during the college years. Aspiring IT professionals must focus on building both technical and soft skills, as these serve the profession in various ways.

Technical Skills

• Database management systems
• Cloud computing platforms
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Version control systems

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Team collaboration
• Time management
• Adaptability

Secure an IT Internship

Internships can be critical stepping stones to full-time employment. They’re an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, establish professional connections, and gain insight into workplace dynamics. The right internship can change the course of your career, but don’t overlook the value of any internship experience in building your professional foundation.

It’s not always easy to know where to start or where to look. Here are the key pathways to find internship opportunities. 

University Resources: Connect with your career center, attend campus tech fairs, and join department email lists for internship announcements. Your professors and academic advisors often hear about opportunities before they’re publicly posted. Inquire individually when appropriate.

Online Job Boards: Create profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed. Enable “Open to Work” settings where necessary and set up alerts for IT internship postings. Search often, as many companies post entry-level opportunities exclusively on these platforms.

Networking Strategies: Connect with your school’s alumni network, participate in tech-focused Discord servers and online communities, and don’t be afraid to reach out to upperclassmen who’ve completed internships. Building these relationships can lead to referrals and insider knowledge about opportunities.

Government and Non-Profit Programs: Research federal and state internship programs through sites like USAJOBS.gov, and explore non-profit organizations focused on tech education and workforce development. Some of these programs provide additional support and mentorship for first-generation college students.

Application Tips

Keep these application tips in mind as you search for opportunities: 

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework and projects.
• Write cover letters that demonstrate your understanding of the specific company.
• Include any personal projects or GitHub contributions. 
• Emphasize soft skills and leadership experiences from part-time work or extracurricular activities.

Learn more about writing a successful resume and cover letter during your search. 

Interview Tips

Securing an interview is an important step. Go into the process prepared: 

• Research the company thoroughly before interviews.
• Prepare specific examples of problem-solving experiences.
• Practice common technical interview questions.
• Ask thoughtful questions about the company’s culture and growth opportunities.
• Follow up with thank-you notes after interviews.

Keep in mind that technical interviews in IT often have a distinct structure. You might face whiteboard coding challenges, system design questions, or logic puzzles. Practice explaining your problem-solving process aloud, as interviewers often care more about your approach than the perfect solution. 

Prepare for behavioral questions by developing specific stories about your projects, the challenges you’ve overcome, and instances where you’ve demonstrated leadership or technical growth. Research common technical interview questions for your specific area of interest and practice with peers or online coding platforms.

Check out more tips on how to prepare for an interview. 

Build Your Professional Network

First-generation college students must be proactive in building a strong professional network during their college years — this can significantly bolster their careers. There are many ways to begin networking, even well before you graduate. 

Start Where You Are: Join student organizations and IT clubs on campus. Take advantage of the chance to connect with professors and teaching assistants. Engage with alumni networks when possible. 

Build Community Online: Participate in online communities like Reddit, GitHub, Stack Overflow, and others. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is optimized for IT recruiters and establish a portfolio as soon as possible. 

Show Up in Person: Research and attend tech meetups and conferences, especially those relevant to your chosen specialization. However, remember opportunities often arise in unexpected areas. 

Balance Work and School

It’s hard to manage the often competing demands of academics and work, but approaching the balance strategically is the best way to ensure efficient use of your time.

• Start by creating a structured weekly schedule. Block out dedicated time for classes, work shifts, studying, and job searching. Tools like Google Calendar or Trello can help you stay organized and track deadlines and commitments. 
• Communicate with professors when necessary. During heavy project periods or exam times, many instructors will work with you to find solutions if they’re aware of your circumstances. Don’t wait until you’re falling behind to have these conversations.
• Utilize the available campus resources to the fullest. Join study groups to maximize your learning time, utilize free tutoring services, and take advantage of your university’s writing center for assignments. This can help you complete work more efficiently.
• Consider remote work with flexible hours. Some jobs offer the flexibility to work during off-hours or between classes. Additionally, many tech companies now offer virtual internships that can be completed at your own pace.
• Look for work-study positions on campus. Search the university’s IT department, labs, or tech support. These roles offer valuable experience while being more understanding of academic commitments. 

Financial Planning and Assistance

Thoughtful financial planning can help you maximize opportunities while minimizing stress during your academic pursuits and early career. Start by researching scholarships available through your chosen school. There are also tech-specific scholarships from organizations like: 

• The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• TechForce Foundation
• Foundation for Information Technology Education (FITE)
• Major tech companies like Google and Microsoft

First-generation college students qualify for special scholarships and grants. Look into federal TRIO programs, state-specific grants, and institutional aid specifically designed for first-generation students.

Find a list of several scholarships specifically designed for first-generation students here. 

You can also look for employment at companies that offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs. Many large tech corporations (and even some smaller companies) will help pay for additional certifications or advanced degrees. This benefit can significantly cut down your educational costs while allowing you to advance your skills.

On Campus: Get familiar with your campus counseling services. Some offer free or low-cost mental health support, including individual counseling and stress management workshops. 

Through Peers: Find other first-generation students through campus support groups or organizations. You can share experiences and challenges with peers who understand your journey, helping to normalize your feelings and provide practical solutions.

On Your Own: Develop daily stress-management practices that work for you. This might include:

• Regular exercise or movement breaks between coding sessions
• Mindfulness or meditation apps for quick mental resets
• Time-blocking techniques to prevent burnout during intense study periods
• Setting boundaries around work and study time
• Creating daily routines that include adequate sleep and healthy meals

With Others: Develop a support system outside of tech — whether it’s family, friends, or hobby groups — to maintain perspective and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Remember to set realistic expectations and take moments to acknowledge your progress. Breaking into tech as a first-generation student means learning not just technical skills, but also navigating an entirely new professional culture. Celebrate small wins, whether it’s mastering a new programming language or even forming a new connection. 

Consider creating a ‘success journal’ where you document your achievements, no matter how small. This can help combat impostor syndrome by providing concrete evidence of your progress and capabilities.

Always remember that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but a strategy employed by successful professionals to maintain their mental well-being and career longevity.

This guide is your toolkit for success. Whether you’re building your professional network from scratch or dealing with impostor syndrome, you’re not alone on this path. 

Thousands before you have maneuvered through these same waters and are now thriving in tech careers. You can start by taking just a straightforward action today:

• Start with one networking connection.
• Apply for that internship opportunity.
• Reach out to your university’s career services.
• Join a first-generation student support group.
• Schedule time with a mental health counselor.
• Try to connect with a potential mentor in your field.

Stay persistent in pursuing your goals, leverage every available resource, and maintain confidence in your abilities. The tech world needs your voice, your perspective, and your talent.

At TSP, we’re here to support your journey into the IT workforce and have insights to help you along every step of your career path. Explore our career support and resources with myTSP.

Networking Groups and Communities

• Women in Tech: Support and mentorship for women in technology
• First-Gen Forward: National program supporting first-generation student success
• GitHub Communities: Collaborative spaces for developers
• Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC): Professional development for Hispanic IT leaders
• Write/Speak/Code: Community for historically marginalized gender identities

Entry-Level Job Boards and Platforms

• Handshake: College-focused job platform
• LinkedIn: Professional networking and job search platform
• WayUp: Entry-level and internship opportunities
• TechCareers: IT-specific job board

Mentorship Programs

• Microsoft LEAP: Engineering apprenticeship program
• Google’s Career Readiness Program: Professional development for underrepresented groups
• MentorNet: STEM mentoring platform
• TechBridge: Technology career support and training
• LFX: IT mentorship opportunity database

Job Search Tips and Resources

• MyTSP: Comprehensive IT career guidance
• Indeed: 11 job hunting tips from the employment platform
• Career services offices at your institution
• Coursera: List of beneficial IT certifications