4 Rewarding Tips to Explore as a First-Generation Latina Graduate

Congratulations on being a first-generation Latina graduate!

You have reached an incredible milestone in your life journey.

We are sure you’re so proud of the achievements gained along the way.

Your degree represents all you have learned and all the work you have put into learning *and* earning it. 

But something still feels like it’s missing. All that time studying and working to get that degree has paid off. Somehow, you might still have lingering feelings of being unfulfilled. 

That’s alright because high expectations aren’t something you haven’t tackled before!

As you navigate through this new chapter of life, you will face unique challenges and opportunities.

Here are some rewarding tips to help you navigate this new chapter in the business world with confidence and success. 

Embrace the Statistics

As a first-generation student, you’ve already felt the pressure and struggles of facing a new world.

Asking parents who have no experience for help with applications or scholarships is not an easy feat.

I’m sure every first-generation Latina has felt the absolute dread of filling out important school paperwork every semester, not knowing where to begin. 

As frustrating and confusing as those college days were, they are real and relatable experiences. They’re similar to the new challenges you will face in life, and the cycle repeats.

But before we talk about tackling the new and scary stuff- let’s break down some inspiring statistics.

Let's take a look at some numbers from the Pew Research Center. 

The share of Hispanics with a bachelor’s degree or more education increased during the period from 2010 to 2021.

The share with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased among Hispanic women rising from 14% in 2010 to 22% in 2022.

If you’re reading this and have made it this far- congrats amiga. You are part of the 22% of Latinas with a bachelor’s and we could not be more proud.

Before your journey in college, those numbers might have doubted your abilities in getting what you want. But you got it.

You got that beautiful degree.

But now as a graduate, those numbers symbolize something greater than that.

These numbers represent many great things: you. You have paved the way for future generations while breaking through barriers and making a name for yourself.

Doesn’t that sound incredible? It is.

Congrats! You should be so proud of yourself.

This brings us to the next point...

Take Advantage of Your Unique Perspective

As a first-generation Latina graduate, you have many different unique experiences to bring to the table. This makes you valuable.

It starts by embracing those statistics and your cultural background. Now that we know there are only 22% of first-generation Latinas out there with degrees, this means that representation is limited.

The first workplace of your new chapter in life might not be filled with the same cultural background that you’re used to being around.

It may be disheartening at first, but you should be proud to break through those barriers.

Be the representation that you want to see.

Stepping into the business world, a new approach is always appreciated. A place with similar experiences and perspectives will only ever ultimately lead to groupthink habits.

It’s important to always incorporate your ideas and use them as a platform to introduce an inclusive workspace and use them to connect with different clients and colleagues.

With that being said…

Seek Mentorship and Support Networks

Now that we know how important representation in the workspace is, it’s time to find yours. Network with other first-generation Latinas who understand the experiences you’ve been through.

They can help you with the challenges you continue to face. Build that network to empower the cultural space around you. Create a voice in the workspace.

Mentors are a great way to gain insight from others with similar backgrounds. That way, you can always feel supported and guided. Mentors can offer you valuable advice.

They can navigate you through similar challenges they’ve faced. These mentors can support you through your journey of reaching for opportunities. They can also just be a great ear to listen. Use them for support. 

There are many groups for those first-generation Latina baddies out there looking to join a network that caters to their niche. Since we are talking about the business world, you should consider using LinkedIn.

Use it to build that mentorship and support network. 

Shameless promo time. Sky Society, is a great first network to join in if you’re a first-generation Latina in marketing. Sky Society is an accelerator, membership, and community for career-driven women in marketing.

The business world is hard, it’s full of competition.

What’s even harder is not having the same resources as other people, lacking background, and familiarity with this new world. The world seems more comforting when you realize there are a ton of others going through the same thing you are.

If your business niche is not marketing that’s okay! There are tons of groups you can join within LinkedIn, which is a great place to start.

A good place to start is by joining a group created by your alma mater. Start by searching for the niche you want to be in touch with. Starting with something like, “women in ___” can be a great kickoff to your search.

Even joining general groups can build the network you need. Join a group that likes the same hobbies as you do.

There’s a world of friends out there to be made.

Finally, Let Go of First-Generation Guilt

This is it. This is the part you needed.

You’re smart, you’re independent, you’re hard-working, and the list goes on. Remember why we stumbled upon this page?

It’s the one thing many first-generation Latinas carry with them throughout their journey of doing everything: guilt.

You are many things. Guilty should not be one of them.

You’re most likely a daughter of immigrants, constantly trying to break these barriers and heal generational wounds. You are. You’re doing it. You’re doing great.

But in our journey comes failure. Failure is inevitable. It’s how we learn. Now add Resilient to that list. You’re resilient to obstacles and challenges. Oftentimes we feel that when we fail, we’re not only failing ourselves, but as daughters of immigrant parents, we feel we are failing them.

So, as the cycle repeats

Remember, your unique perspective and experiences are valuable. Unapologetically be your full Latina self. It might be scary to face new challenges and engage in new opportunities, but it’s nothing you haven’t done before.

Continue to learn, adapt, and conquer.

By doing so, you can continue to have a significant impact on future generations of Latinas. Remember, these ladies were once in your shoes.

You've defeated the challenges once and you can do it again. Always celebrate the wins, no matter how hard the journey was to get there.

 ✍️ Written by Alexis Valle