As a requirement of my participation in FirstGen Ahead, I agree to engage in monthly online peer professional development activities (September – May) and receive one-on-one coaching (January of my junior year – graduation of my senior year). Participating in these opportunities will empower me in developing the understanding, skills, and networks to help me obtain a college internship between my junior and senior years and to obtain a promising first job after I complete my college degree.

I understand my participation will involve a time commitment between 1-2 hours per month (September – May) which will increase to 2-3 hours per month when I begin working with my coach. I also understand that I will be asked to voice my opinions through discussion and periodic surveys on what is working well and what can be improved for future FirstGen Ahead participants.

I understand that I will be able to select a volunteer coach from FirstGen Ahead’s list of available coaches. In select instances, when no coaches are available who meet my specific career development needs, interests or industry preferences, the FirstGen Ahead founder (Susan Gershenfeld) will attempt to identify a coach to meet my specific request.  There is no guarantee that a specific match will be made, in which case I agree to work with one of the existing FirstGen Ahead coach.

Specifically, I agree to:
● continually be open to career-related guidance and feedback.
● be invested in working on my professional development by attending all group and coach meetings (unless there is an emergency and the coach and/or FirstGen Ahead’s founder is notified in advance).
● respond to my coach, professional contacts, and FirstGen Ahead’s founder via email, text, or phone call within 48 hours of being contacted.
● initiate contact with my coach, FirstGen Ahead’s founder, and other students participating to obtain information, as well as career-related suggestions and support.
● meet once per month for an hour with my online peer group, preparing in advance for the facilitated discussion and following up as requested.
● meet twice per month in person or through video conferencing with my coach for 30 -60 minutes.
● complete coach recommended readings and skill-building exercises for professional development in conjunction with or in discussion with my coach.
● Contact professionals suggested by my coach who can assist me with my professional development within 48 hours.

Adherence to this agreement is a demonstration of my commitment to my professional development. Failure to adhere to the agreement and failure to adjust after given feedback, can lead to my removal from the program.