Baem Leadership founder Michelle Hoover shares her First-Generation Professional journey and why it is worthwhile to spend more time learning about this growing workforce population.

Limited connections to influential contacts is a key barrier for First-Generation Professionals seeking their first employment or accessing future opportunities. FGPs know they need to grow their networks, but they can’t do it alone. Employers who reach beyond traditional connections and contacts to help bridge that gap will discover a rich pool of talent.

For First-Generation Professionals, learning the ropes involves entering a world full of unfamiliar language and communication norms.

As organizations strive toward greater workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion, First-Generation Professionals (FGPs) have a significant role in those efforts. Demographically, FGPs represent a real cross-section of races, nationalities, genders, ages and life experiences. Consider the broader diversity, experiences and perspectives that FGPs can offer in building your future workforce.

First-gen professionals aren’t just racial or ethnic minorities. Learn about the obstacles they face across intersectional identities. 

Untapped Potential: First-Generation Professionals and Why Organizations Can't Afford to Ignore Them

While we acknowledge that unique barriers and challenges certainly exist for First Generation Professionals, that is not all that defines them. The FGP story is also about building strengths.

First Generation Professionals (FGPs), the first in their family to earn a college degree, are a valuable and growing part of today’s workforce.  They will navigate unique barriers on their path through higher education before arriving at their first job. Understanding FGPs’ unique challenges and strengths can provide valuable insights on how to smooth their transition and enable their success.