During the Spring 2024 semester, First-Generation Student Initiatives matched 100 first-generation students at Georgia Tech with one of 52 employer hosts from the Atlanta region for a shadowing day experience. Activities students participated in while shadowing included an office tour, a meeting with senior leadership, resume review, informational interviews with team members, joining a client meeting, etc. First-generation students had the opportunity to network with professionals, discuss career pathways, and gain knowledge of internship or job opportunities.
The First-Gen Shadowing Program at Georgia Tech is designed to expose first-generation students to career possibilities. Often, a shadowing experience can be the first time a student meets with someone from a related STEM field. Job shadowing is an on-site opportunity where first-generation students can observe the day-to-day schedules of their host, gain insight on what skills to develop for their prospective industries, and ask questions about a professional’s career journey.
First-Gen Shadow Program Interest Meeting
On January 16, 2024, First-Generation Student Initiatives met with 45 first-generation students interested in applying for the shadowing opportunity to explain the program's expectations.
First-Gen Shadow Program Dinner
On April 15, 2024, program participants and employer hosts celebrated the program together with a networking event.
Program Quotes
I loved my experience participating in the First-Generation Shadowing Program! I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go in after college, but doing this one-day shadowing experience opened my eyes to a career path I hadn’t considered before. Everyone at Florence Healthcare was so welcoming/kind and the recruiter even connected with me after my shadowing day and is helping me secure a summer internship!! 10/10 recommend if you’re interested in seeing what a real workday looks for someone in a field you are interested in, or in my case one you would never have considered.
-Salma, First-Gen Shadow Program Participant
With Georgia Tech's support of a student's pursuit, it shows their hands on involvement with their community which makes it hard to turn a blind eye to a student participant who was selected for the shadowing experience. The program allows a student the ability to peek into their future self and gives them access to generational career growth opportunities. Being a part of that venture gives me a great sense of purpose in my chosen career path.
-London, Employer Host
Conference Presentation
Katherine Lawlor, Program & Operations Manager, First-Generation & Limited Income Student Initiatives will present the program plan and survey results at the First-generation Student Success Conference on June 24, 2024.
Featured First-Generation Shadow Program Students
