Episode 43: Career Conversations

Career

Apr 10

Written By HTC

In this episode, Cody moderates a panel with 3 fellow first-gen professionals who highlight their experience in Career Decision and Preparation. They also provided insight and advice for first gens who are entering the workforce.

This episode was recorded on Thursday March 11th, when the How to College team partnered with the University of Alabama’s First Fellow’s program to offer a live podcast career panel called Career Conversations. During this event, three first generation professionals share their expert advice with our first generation audience. We hope you enjoy this recording of the live podcast and plan to join us for other live sessions in the future!

In this episode you will hear from:

Joe, who currently serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Career Education Initiatives and the Executive Director for the Greene Center for Career Education at the University of Rochester. With over 20 years of career services and student engagement experience in diverse institutional settings, Joe has been recognized for his leadership and strategic planning on the departmental, institutional, and professional association level. He currently leads a team of 21 staff and a growing career ecosystem in a re-envisioned effort to prepare students for the future of work.
Yessenia, a First Generation college student and First Generation professional. She identifies as Latinx and Bisexual and is passionate about serving those at the margins. Yessenia has the honor and privilege to serve as the Interim Assistant Director of Identity Conscious Support at DePaul University where she supports first generation college students, pell-eligible students and students of color through a first year mentorship. She also oversees the undocumented student support services of the Office of Multicultural Student Success.
Gina, a higher education professional who has spent over a decade working with non traditional students on alternative pathways in education. She has spent years of research on educational equity in the classroom and identifying barriers that stop non traditional students from achieving success. Her passion goes beyond the classroom as Dr. Cook was a non traditional student who received her GED and completed many degrees including her doctorate while raising her five children. Dr. De rosier- Cook has also advocated for this population of students at a state level by serving as both a junior and then senior Director for IACEA and then as President of the Illinois Council of Continuing Education and Training.

Thanks again to our guests, Joe Testani, Yessenia Mejia and Dr. Gina De Rosier Cook for sharing their expert advice with our audience. And thank you for tuning in to How to College for first-gens! There are so many takeaways from this panel but we hope you leave this panel with a great understanding of the opportunities out there for you when it comes to preparing for a career. From experiential learning like internships or employment, to relationship building through networking and mentorships, it’s important to understand that you are not alone and that you are capable of whatever you put your mind to, in any field of your choice. As you continue to plan, continue to reflect on your skills, interests and values that you have and that will serve as a roadmap to your future career.

Below are some career planning resources as well: