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As a first-generation college student balancing academics, athletics, and financial challenges, what are some effective ways I can build a strong professional network and gain career experience while still in school” ?

Sophomore in college

college spring25 work-life-balance first-generation
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Sandra’s Answer

The best advice I can offer is to set up a LinkedIn profile and begin growing your network. Seek out people who are in the jobs you dream of having one day. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but remember, many people love to help others and share their stories. Don't hesitate to ask them about their career path, the skills they think are important, the biggest challenges they've overcome, and who else they think you should connect with. Building a strong network takes time, but it's a powerful asset no matter where you are in your career. You've got this!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Chrisn
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Susan’s Answer

Give that you are balancing all those activities, academics and financials, my advise it to take advantage of summer internship opportunities. That is a great way to get experience and make connections. And, often if it's a good fit it can lead to post graduation offers. If you don't have time to dedicate to that in the summer, I do think that as you get closer to graduation that you might want to give up an extra-curricular and focus on an internship, job shadowing, opportunity, etc. Keeping up your current activities will become less important (because you have established that ... and the real world connections are truly key. With your situation, it will be very logical for potential employers, networkers to understand the shift in focus (and actually that is a great way to actually have the conversation you want to have "I've made it here because" without bringing it forward yourself). Good luck.
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