Biophysical Society Bulletin | March 2023

Career Development

BeingaFirst-GenerationGraduate inAcademia Improved access to higher education has provided greater opportunity to attend university irrespective of per sonal background and socio-economic status. This has allowed thousands to be the first in their family to attain a degree and become not only first-gen eration graduates but pioneers within their families and communities. Around one-third of students in the United

being more aware of the challenges faced by first-generation graduates and providing support to facilitate their develop ment we can promote a more diverse work environment, enriched with different perspectives and life experiences that ultimately will benefit the whole scientific community. For any first-generation graduates: know that you are an equal and have earned your right to be here through merit and hard work. Start building your network step-by-step. Take the opportunity to chat with colleagues at your institu tion, meet your peers at conference poster sessions, and ask questions at seminars. Be courageous and reach out to princi pal investigators whose work interests you. Remember, they were in your position at some point and expect to be contact ed by junior colleagues seeking opportunities and advice. As for feelings of self-doubt: be confident in your abilities. Make time to reflect on your achievements and celebrate all that you have accomplished so far. Embrace what is still to come and take pride in paving the way for future first-generation graduates. — Molly Cule DriveAFM Performance without compromise New and expanded functionality for bio in 2023

States are the first in their family to attend college according to the US Department of Education; however, they are four times more likely than second-generation students to drop out without completing their degree (First Generation Foun dation). This stark statistic is thought to be consequential of the extra financial hardship, job, and/or family responsibilities experienced by first-generation students who must manage these obligations in addition to navigating higher education and dedicating time to their studies. For many who decide to continue their journey in academia through graduate school and postdoctoral studies, these obstacles continue to impact their lives and are often accompanied by further challenges. Forging a career in science requires the development of an effective professional network of colleagues and collabo rators to develop ideas, access opportunities, and receive support. Establishing these relationships as a first-generation graduate is difficult, however. First, influential social connec tions are often associated with privilege. As such, despite the importance of networking to find mentors or guidance to break this taboo, for many first-generation graduates the thought of building and utilizing these relationships for self-promotion is alien. Even approaching faculty members to establish a network is a daunting prospect. Not knowing what type of language to use, what to say without sounding stupid, or questioning ”why would this professor even be interested in talking to me?” are all common thoughts. They likely arise from self-doubt and a sense of not belonging due to lack of familial experience and not knowing anyone else working in academia. Interestingly, many first-generation graduates not only feel different from their work colleagues but also isolated from their families because of their social mobility. The sense of not belonging in either community can lead to difficulties saying ”no” and taking on more roles and responsibilities to feel valued and worthy of their position. Undoubtedly, more can be done by the community to improve the experiences of first-generation graduates in science. Increased representation may help to alter perceptions and combat anxieties, leading to improved accessibility and great er networking opportunities. Just being able to identify and in teract with others from similar backgrounds provides inspira tion and reassurance that a career in science is achievable. By

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March 2023

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