Internships Beyond Family Connections: How Information Channels with Institutional Support Shape First-Generation Students' Career Development

• In Event: Broken Links in the Pathway from School to Career

Abstract

While internships provide crucial learning experiences for first-generation college students (FGCS), they face significant barriers accessing internships due to information gaps. Drawing on social capital theory, I examine how FGCS navigate different information channels and how institutional support varies across these channels. Using national survey data (n=1,061), four information channels were identified: public online platforms, career centers, informal networks, and direct employer recruitment. FGCS used career centers less than continuing-generation students, with patterns varying by socioeconomic status and major. Career centers and informal networks achieved higher career development than public platforms, providing regular check-ins, structured opportunities, and clearer expectations. This study demonstrates how institutional agents mobilize embedded resources for FGCS through guidance and employer collaboration to shape structured internship characteristics.

Author

• Hee Song, University of Wisconsin - Madison