How Adapting to a New Environment or Culture Affects Immigrant Students’ Career Paths

Many first- and second-generation immigrant students face common, but not talked about enough, challenges when navigating higher education and careers, especially in demanding fields like STEM. While these students are academically capable, and sometimes more determined than their peers, they lack access to the professional social networks, mentorship, and cultural knowledge that their classmates inherit from their family and community. Previous research supports this, stating from their findings that immigrant students have more difficulties securing jobs and internships. This research builds on that foundation by exploring firsthand experience from FIU immigrant students.