"According to estimates, one-quarter to one-half of all college attendees are first-generation students. Several key demographic differences exist between these students and their continuing generation counterparts, most notably that beginning first-generation students are more likely to be female and African-American or Hispanic. While literature and research has traditionally focused on academic success of first-generation college students, very little attention has been given to their career development. College recruiters are being charged with assembling an increasingly diverse work force, therefore it is necessary to gain a better understanding of how to effectively engage this dynamic and expanding population. This session, a companion presentation to the ""First Generation College Student Career Development: A Qualitative Study,"" will discuss the results of the aforementioned research focused on the career development and employment needs of first-generation college students at the University of Florida. Using highlights from focus group conversations, participants will discover important factors impacting these students' employment decision-making process. We will identify the unique qualities of first-generation students (through past research and the study's findings) that make them appealing candidates and learn how best to assist in their transition to the professional world. Attendees will also develop ideas and approaches on effectively targeting first-gen students during on-campus recruiting initiatives.

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