Along our undergraduate and professional journey, we may start to develop fears about facing our futures, especially as undocumented and DACAmented students. It is common (and completely normal!) to experience heightened anxiety, as your future may sometimes seem uncertain. In this blog, I hope to guide you through your fears and offer suggestions for next steps.
Understand Your Fear
For DACA students, work authorization can significantly broaden access to opportunities, where undocumented students, on the other hand, might face legal concerns about working and feel that their options are limited. Either way, pursuing the career you envision for yourself is still attainable! Continuing your higher education to gain the required certification is a justifiable way to go. You may also consider becoming an entrepreneur while gaining these certificates. There are many types of entrepreneurs in all types of industries, and while gaining the knowledge of your desired career you may look to start a business that aligns with your interests. Instead of letting uncertainty paralyze you, use it to reshape your narrative. Go for the position that you want while you have your work authorization or change your career goals so that they can align better with being a business owner in your desired field. To begin addressing your fear you should first understand where it is coming from.
Redirect Your Fear
To embark on the journey of transforming your fear into a driving force, try doing these three things:
Setting Goals
The workforce is vast, and the possibilities are endless; without a clear goal in mind, you may become lost and develop even more fear. Goals may be long-term or short-term depending on the task. Many people utilize a mix of both short- and long-term goals to achieve their ultimate objective. Establishing specific goals and a clear pathway to achieve them can provide direction in starting or advancing your professional career.
Network and build connections
Networking and building connections is also crucial. Many successful professionals attribute their achievements to effective networking, whether with peers or with people in their desired/related fields. Check out this article, which delves into navigating support systems and developing networking skills, specifically for undocumented and DACAmented students. Finally, networking may also give you a sense of hope for your future – that boost of confidence will further help you to overcome your fears pursuing a career.
Seeking Mentorship
In addition to networking, mentorship can play a vital role in your growth. A mentor is an experienced person that is offering their knowledge to you. Having someone that is experienced in your desired field, especially if they are/were also undocumented/DACAmented, is particularly beneficial. They will be able to offer the most relevant advice on the right steps to take in being successful in that career. Your mentor can provide insight and support that you might not be able to get from anyone else. They will help you to believe in your decisions and work with you to make your goals achievable. This support and guidance from your mentor hopefully will ultimately alleviate the fears you may be experiencing about your career. To learn more about seeking mentorship, here are some resources that might be helpful to you:
- The Art of Mentorship: Creating Meaningful Connections – video that introduces the concept of mentorship and its benefits.
- Seeking Mentorship as a Working Learner – article that talks about seeking mentorship as a working learner.
- 9 Habits for a Successful Mentorship – article on how to make your mentorship successful.
Have confidence in your skills and abilities.
As you advance through your undergraduate career, be confident in the experiences you have. Becoming career ready is surrounded by eight main competencies: career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork and technology. These competencies develop as you engage in various types of activities throughout your college career, such as research, actively participating in clubs and organizations, finding an on-campus job/internship, and doing projects within your courses.
As expressed in this article, most employers prioritize these eight competencies when they are hiring new employees. Working through your undergraduate career, think about the skills you gain from these activities and add them to your resume or LinkedIn profile. Keeping track of these activities will be helpful when you network at events, allowing you to confidently showcase your skills, demonstrating that you possess the abilities needed to enter your desired workforce.
Start redirecting your fear today. Join a new club, attend a new event or schedule an appointment with the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills!
