Outreach Made Easy: A First-Gen Guide

As a first-generation student, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about how to reach out to current graduate students, alumni, or others in programs you’re interested in.

Many of us don’t grow up with family or mentors who can show us how these networking steps work- but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn them. Connecting with others isn’t about having perfect language or knowing exactly what to say- it’s about taking small steps, asking questions, and allowing yourself to explore possibilities. 

This course gives you simple, accessible tools and resources to help you reach out to people who can support your decision-making, whether you’re considering graduate programs, exploring different universities, or simply wanting to build a connection with someone in a department or field that interests you.

Personal Experience: When I was applying to master’s programs, I reached out directly to current students to learn more about their experiences. One of them scheduled a Zoom call with me, where I was able to ask specific questions about the program. The conversation gave me helpful insight and ultimately played a key role in my decision to attend my masters progam. 

I also reached out to the one friend I had from undergrad who was in a master’s program to ask what graduate school was actually like, because I genuinely had no idea what a graduate program consisted of or what higher education looked like beyond undergrad. His experiences helped me better understand what to expect and made the entire process feel less intimidating.