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Supporting First-Generation College Students in Public Relations and Communications
1.
What challenges have you encountered in your job or internship search? (Select all that apply)
Lack of connections or professional network
Difficulty finding opportunities that match my skills/interests
Limited knowledge of the application process
Financial barriers (e.g., unpaid internships, transportation, relocation costs)
Other (please specify)
2.
How confident are you in your ability to (Rate each on a scale of 1-5: 1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident):
Not confident at all
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Create a compelling resume
Not confident at all
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Write an effective cover letter
Not confident at all
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Having a professional digital footprint
Not confident at all
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Perform well in a job interview
Not confident at all
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Negotiate your first salary and benefits
Not confident at all
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
3.
Have you faced any of the following during your internship or job search? (Select all that apply)
Feeling underprepared compared to other applicants
Feeling out of place in professional settings
Difficulty balancing work, studies, and job/internship search
Lack of clarity about career paths in public relations and communications
Other (please specify)
4.
How important is access to mentoring or coaching for your career success?
Not important
Somewhat important
Important
Very important
Essential
5.
Do you currently have access to a mentor or coach?
Yes, through my college/university
Yes, externally
No, but I am actively seeking one
No, and I don’t know how to find one
6.
What qualities would you/do you value most in a mentor or coach? (Select all that apply)
Industry experience in public relations/communications
Understanding challenges faced by first-generation students
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Willingness to provide constructive feedback
Ability to offer networking opportunities
Professional contacts in the field
Other (please specify)
7.
What programs would help you connect with mentors or build professional networks? (Select all that apply)
One-on-one mentoring programs
Peer mentorship with upper-level students
Networking events with industry professionals
Alumni mentoring programs
Online platforms for connecting with mentors
Memberships in student organizations
Other (please specify)
8.
How helpful has your college/university been in preparing you for the job/internship search?
Extremely helpful
Very helpful
Somewhat helpful
Not so helpful
Not at all helpful
Why or why not?
9.
Which resources have been most useful to you? (Select all that apply)?
Career services or counseling, either from a career center, specific academic program or faculty member
Resume and cover letter workshops
Mock interviews
Networking events with alumni or professionals
Internship/job boards
Other (please specify)
10.
What additional resources or support would help you feel more prepared for the job/internship search?
11.
How confident are you in your ability to (rate each on a scale of 1-5: 1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident):
Not at all confident
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Build relationships with mentors or colleagues
Not at all confident
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Why or why not?
Understand and align with workplace cultures
Not at all confident
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Why or why not?
Advocate for your own career development needs
Not at all confident
Slightly confident
Neutral/Somewhat confident
Confident
Very confident
Why or why not?
12.
What challenges do you anticipate or have experienced in adapting to non-profit/agency/corporate environments? (Select all that apply)
Understanding professional norms and expectations
Adapting to non-profit/agency/corporate communication styles
Navigating workplace hierarchies
Feeling confident expressing your ideas
Other (please specify)
13.
Would you find value in workshops or courses on corporate culture? If yes, what topics should be covered? (Select all that apply)
Personal values and organizational culture alignment
Workplace communication and professional etiquette
Managing imposter syndrome and building confidence
Understanding diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Other (please specify)
14.
Do you feel your college/university addresses the challenges faced by first-generation students effectively?
Yes
No
Somewhat
Why or why not?
15.
What specific skills, training, or experiences would better prepare you to succeed in internships or jobs (e.g., networking skills, portfolio development, industry-specific tools, AI or other relevant software training)?
16.
If a third-party organization provided a free curriculum in addition to your major that prepared students for durable careers in public relations and communications, guaranteed internship placement, and offered coaching and mentoring, would you apply?
Yes
No
Why or why not?
17.
What can colleges and universities do better to support first-generation students in building professional relationships and navigating corporate environments?
18.
What barriers or challenges do you think are often overlooked when supporting first-generation students?
19.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences with job or internship searches or the support you’ve received (or need)?