Navigating Career School as a First-Generation Student: How to Succeed

Are you the first in your family to continue your education beyond high school? Starting career school can be an exciting and confusing time for you. You get to start this new path toward your future career, but you may have some important questions before you get started. How do you enroll and pay for school? What happens if you struggle in class? How do you prepare for your first job?

As a first-generation college student, you may not have family and friends who can answer these questions and help you navigate your new environment. But you don’t have to take on this new challenge alone.

Career schools provide lots of support if you know where to look and whom to ask. These eight strategies can help you make the most of your experience and help you succeed in your academic journey.

1. Ask Questions from Day One

You probably had many questions as you searched for a school that would fit your life and your career goals. Don't stop asking them! The earlier you seek answers, the better prepared you'll be to succeed in your program.

Talk with instructors, admissions representatives, financial aid staff, and other campus employees about scheduling, attendance, assignments, financial aid, tutoring, and career preparation. There are no “dumb” questions when it comes to your future. The representatives at your career school are there to help you get on the right track early and lead you to graduation.

2. Learn About Available Support

Don’t assume you have to solve every problem on your own. Find out what resources your school offers and how to access them. These may include:

• Academic tutoring
• Financial aid services
• Career Services
• Student coaching
• Peer support
• Resume and interview assistance
• Job-search and career-planning help

When comparing career schools, ask yourself what resources you need most, and which school aligns best with your goals.

3. Take Time to Understand Your Financial Situation

Paying for school can feel complicated, especially if you’re the first to go through the process. Learn about the financial assistance options available to you, including federal loans and grants, scholarships, and state or private aid.

Career schools often have financial aid representatives that help you with every step of the process. Be sure to contact a financial aid representative and speak to them often. You want to have your financial aid documents prepared before you apply.

Before meeting with a representative, prepare questions such as:

• What financial aid do I qualify for?
• What documents do I need?
• What deadlines should I know?
• How much will I pay out of pocket?
• What happens if my financial situation changes?

4. Create a Routine That Works

Career school programs often move at a fast pace. Classes, labs, assignments, work, and personal responsibilities may compete for your time. If you work full time, many career schools offer flexible hours to better fit your schedule, but you’re still responsible for completing assignments, attending class, and managing your schedule.

Use a calendar or planner to track:

• Class and lab times
• Assignments and tests
• Study time
• Work schedules
• Personal responsibilities
• School deadlines

If your routine isn’t working, adjust it and ask for help before you fall behind. Time management is also an important workplace skill you can begin to develop in your training program.

5. Build Relationships with Instructors

Your instructors frequently use their experience to help you gain the technical and soft skills you’ll use in your chosen field. Most will teach you about employer expectations and how to do your job efficiently. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class if you don’t understand a topic. Your classmates can also help you share ideas, practice communication, and develop teamwork skills.

Your instructors are an important part of your support network. Career training instructors have years of experience in their fields, so they can help you understand difficult concepts, navigate the job search, and build your network for future opportunity.

The relationships you build during training can become a key part of your professional network after graduation.

6. Accept That Learning Takes Practice

No one expects you to know everything when you begin career school. You may make mistakes or struggle with a subject in your training, and that’s okay. These experiences are a part of your education. Listen to feedback, practice again, and ask for clarification whenever you need it. Focus on your progress instead of perfection and find ways to stay motivated even when you make a mistake.

7. Prepare for Your Career Before Graduation

Career preparation should begin well before graduation. As you progress through your program, consider the type of work you want to pursue. Research employers, build your resume, practice interviewing, and discuss your goals with Career Services.

Your training is also a chance for you to develop professional habits. Arrive on time, follow safety procedures, communicate clearly, and take care of your tools and equipment. Treat hands-on training as the job before your job.

8. Build a Support Network

As a first-generation college student, you might feel that many people around you can’t help because they can’t relate to your struggles. Just because they aren’t in your shoes right now doesn’t mean they haven’t been where you are. They may have tips and tricks to help you cross the finish line.

Different people can help with different needs. Family and friends may provide encouragement, classmates may study with you, and school staff may assist with academics, financial aid, or career preparation.

Start Your Career Training on the Right Track

Being the first person in your family to attend career school may come with questions, but you do not need every answer before you begin. At Lincoln Tech, students can access support from instructors, financial aid representatives, Career Services staff, and other campus resources throughout their training. The Lincoln Tech team has years of experience guiding students just like you to successful, hands-on careers they love. Fill out the form to learn more about all our programs and the many support options available to you.