Whether you’re beginning your internship or job search, looking to ace your interviews, making the most of networking opportunities, or thinking of your career journey longer term, we’ve got you covered!
Our programs provide students of color from low-income backgrounds with the educational opportunities, career skills and experiences, and financial freedom they need to meet their goals and thrive. Here are some of the highlights of what that looked like in 2024 and a preview of what’s to come in 2025.
Making Waves Education Foundation earned a $100,000 Ad Grant from LinkedIn to support workforce development for young professionals overcoming barriers. Making Waves is using the funding to make career resources more accessible and support college students and recent graduates in reaching their career goals.
“Sometimes lab research can feel very impersonal, but I really enjoy the interpersonal interactions and the community aspect of science,” shared Ysabel David (she/her), a first-gen college student and graduating senior at Scripps who is sharing about her path finding community and pursuing her passions for science, dance, and DEIB.
A first-generation college grad, Elaine Fernandez completed five internships during college to explore fields like finance, marketing, and real estate. With her college degree in hand without any student loan debt, Elaine is now an engagement financial advisor. She is sharing her college and career story and her advice for the next generation of college grads.
The conversational series spotlights experiences and lessons learned around money topics to make this information more accessible, especially for first-generation college students and graduates.
Giovanna Barragan, a first-gen college student at USC, celebrates first-gen student day. “For me, being first-gen is to be an example for the generations after me. It means showing them that they can go for their dreams and break barriers. It’s like a special title that honors my family’s sacrifices while also planting new seeds.”
As a sociology major at California State University, Stanislaus, Jezebelle Maldonado (she/her) chose an undergraduate research topic that wasn’t just about academics. It was personal. Now a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree to her name, Jezebelle is working in the healthcare field as a behavior technician and is considering a master’s degree in the future. “One thing I am taking with me from college is to not be afraid to build connections,” she said
College life can feel like an endless grind of classes, assignments, work, and social commitments. But don’t stress — there’s a way to balance it all while still making time for yourself. Here’s advice from the Making Waves Student Advisory Committee to help you crush your goals, avoid burnout, and make the most of your college experience.
This panel brings together talent and HR professionals, hiring managers, and former and current interns from across career fields to share insider tips for finding, obtaining, and succeeding in internships.
What is career coaching and how can you make the most of FREE career support while you’re in college? Whether exploring your options, reviewing your resume, or connecting you with internships – your campus’ career center and our Making Waves team provide lots of support, unique to you.
We are meeting you where you are in your career journey. The career readiness index is a framework that means our Making Waves team of college coaches and career specialists can equitably support you in reaching your post-graduation career goals – providing the right support at the right time.
