The Why of First-Generation
- Structural gap in first-generation hiring in investment and wealth
management – many firms don’t even know how many first gens work at their firm – yet colleges and university are beginning to focus on this group.
- First-gen employees add value beyond what’s written on their resume: grit, perseverance and humility, and they bring diversity: 60% of first gens are women; 45% of Black and 60% of Latinx students are first gens.
- First gens don’t tell their stories well, if at all. Being able to articulate how their experiences give them a unique and valuable world-view opens opportunities that benefits everyone.
- Rising senior internships are the gateway to the industry, but few
first gens are prepared to compete for and win these internships.
- Rising junior internship programs are few and far between – Girls Who Invest is a notable exception – to help first gens be better prepared.
