In a job market that is rapidly evolving, where artificial intelligence and demographic shifts are transforming the employment landscape, CareerSpring aims to make a pivotal difference for first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) college students and graduates across the United States.
With a vision of a future where every FGLI student secures meaningful, high-quality employment, CareerSpring provides crucial career information, social capital and job placement services through its innovative Career Platform.
Aiming for the American Dream
Today, more than 30% of the 17 million undergraduates in the U.S. are first-generation college students. These individuals demonstrate resilience, grit and determination in pursuing the American Dream.
However, they often lack the information and social network that facilitates the upward mobility of so many in our society. As a result, many first-generation graduates go on to be under-employed -- accepting jobs beneath their capacity -- despite their education and incredible potential. This isn’t only life-altering for these individuals, but it also results in billions of dollars in potential economic value lost for our country.
Meanwhile, in a rapidly evolving labor market, artificial intelligence is replacing more jobs. Baby boomers are retiring, and our demographics are changing faster than ever before. To keep up with these shifts, employers must find ways to attract diverse, high-quality candidates.
As such, first-generation college graduates must gain the information and social network they need to launch meaningful careers. Responding to these challenges is an incredible opportunity for our society.
These young FGLI students have followed our country’s guidance throughout their education and have reached the milestone that could transform their life and our communities forever. However, when college legacies and professional connections don’t run in a person’s family, their preparation, perseverance and personal life experiences run the risk of being undervalued.
CareerSpring aims to bridge this gap by equipping FGLI students with the tools they need to unlock their full potential.
CareerSpring’s Career Platform benefits
CareerSpring’s Career Platform is a comprehensive resource designed to level the playing field for FGLI students and graduates. It offers free access to career insights, social capital, career development skills and career opportunities, which eliminates barriers like cost or academic prerequisites.
All FGLI students can access CareerSpring’s Career Platform for these resources – all at no cost, no minimum coursework and no GPA requirement. It’s all in one virtual hub that is accessible at any time from anywhere.
- Central to the Platform is the Advisor Forum, which connects students to more than 1,500 diverse professionals who are ready to provide tailored career guidance. This feature ensures FGLI students receive insights and advice that are directly relevant to their career aspirations, all while building their social capital.
- The Platform’s Video Library further enhances access by featuring hundreds of real-world professionals who share their career experiences and offer practical advice. These videos, such as those from employees at Masco Corporation, provide students with a glimpse into various professions, which helps them understand what different jobs entail and how to navigate their career paths.
- CareerSpring’s Job Placement Services assist students in finding, applying for and interviewing for job or internship opportunities. It ensures they have the support needed to secure positions that match their skills and ambitions with a network of dedicated Employer Partners.
Volunteers also play a critical role in this ecosystem. They contribute by creating career videos, sharing personal professional experiences, and offering live advisory sessions. This network of support helps FGLI students build valuable connections and gain insights that might otherwise be out of reach.
[Related: Learn more about how you can volunteer]
Michael Khoury, CareerSpring’s regional program manager for Detroit, underscored the impact of their mission: “As a first-generation college student myself, I am proud that CareerSpring expanded to Detroit in 2023. I witness every day the importance of partnership and the impact we are making as our Network grows. We are grateful for all our partners -- both education and employer partners -- whose support continues to fuel our mission and helps us change the lives of so many FGLI students and graduates.”
CareerSpring’s approach represents a transformative opportunity for both students and employers. By addressing the information and network gaps faced by FGLI students, CareerSpring not only helps to unlock their career potential but also enriches the labor market with diverse, high-quality talent.
As the workforce continues to evolve, these efforts ensure the next generation of professionals is well-prepared to contribute meaningfully and thrive.
If you would like to support the transformative work being done by CareerSpring or learn more about the organization, click or tap here.