Our Backpack: Using Podcasting for Goal Setting and Self-Healing for Individuals of Color and First-Generation Students.

As young adults pursue higher education, they often take part in opportunities to enhance their educational experience and build forms of capital (cultural, economic, and social). Research has shown that opportunities in mentorship, career readiness, and skill development can serve as an important vehicle for students and entry level professionals within their field.

However, access to these opportunities are not equal for all individuals. It is with this problem that we seek to create a platform to provide access and visibility for all entry level professionals to become career ready.

“Our Backpack” is a podcast that is based on the career trajectories of two first-gen professionals of color working in higher education. In this session participants will engage in discussion on goal setting (academically, personally, and professionally) as well as how to use technology (such as podcasting) as a form of healing throughout their experience in college or entry-level positions.