First-gen careers: Finding a path forward

Starting your first corporate job can feel like learning a new language, especially if no one in your family has navigated that world before. For many first-generation graduates, they are also the first in their family to enter a professional workplace where a degree may be required. That means learning unwritten rules, from building relationships to finding the confidence to contribute your ideas. Those experiences can become strengths you carry forward. 

Working at J&J, where support, mentorship and continual learning are key parts of our culture, can help first-gen professionals make a lasting impact. If you're curious about how that can be experienced, some of our first-generation professionals share the lessons and moments that helped shape their careers with us.

Turning the unfamiliar into a strength 

There is no single path to a rewarding career. That was true for Annie Z., a site manager in Pennsylvania. She expected corporate work to feel routine but found a role filled with variety, problem-solving and opportunities to stretch her skills. 

“When I started here, I realized that every day is wildly different with new challenges and encounters,” Annie says. “You learn to have faith in your abilities, resources and the skills you brought with you.” 

For Annie, adapting to the unfamiliar became a capability she could bring to her work. 

Learning what good work alone cannot teach 

Ashley L., an IT leader in New Jersey, learned that career growth can depend on more than doing good work. Relationships, communication and understanding expectations matter, too. 

“Early in my career, I expected a corporate environment where delivering results would naturally translate into growth,” Ashley says. “But in practice, I learned it is more nuanced. As a first-generation professional, that distinction was not immediately clear.” 

Mentorship helped make those expectations clearer. A VP-level leader encouraged Ashley to advocate for herself, ask questions and understand what career progression required. 

“That guidance gave me the confidence to take ownership of my path, ultimately leading me to pursue a new role and achieve a promotion,” Ashley says. “It reinforced that while support systems are critical, taking initiative is equally essential to growth.” 

Sandra M., East Zone Clinical Manager, points to other forms of support that helped her find her professional strengths: “I’ve experienced firsthand the training, practical tools, mentorship and career development available at J&J," she said. "I feel fortunate not only to be part of J&J, but to have experienced firsthand the strength of a company that is deeply committed to developing its people and enabling its field teams to perform at the highest level." 

Building confidence through action 

For many first-generation and early career professionals, confidence comes after taking on a new challenge, not before. 

Carlos P., a Finance Leadership Development Program analyst in Juárez, Mexico, wishes he had trusted his ability to adapt earlier instead of waiting until he felt fully prepared. 

“If there was a single piece of advice, I’d tell myself that I don’t need to wait until I have all the certifications or experience to jump at an opportunity,” Carlos says. “I have learned I need to trust my ability to overcome obstacles sooner and not wonder if I should wait until I am fully ready.” 

Making the path visible 

For Carlos, being a first-generation professional is also about helping others see what is possible. 

“My children will receive lessons and conversations from me and will see firsthand that a professional career is attainable,” Carlos says. “I also feel responsibility to my community to help change the trajectory for the generation behind me.” 

Employees who serve as Handshake Ambassadors can extend that idea by helping students make the path more visible. 

Where your path could take you 

Annie’s adaptability, Ashley’s self-advocacy and Carlos’ willingness to act show how first-generation experiences can become strengths at work. 

Ready to chart your own path? Explore early career opportunities at J&J. Shape the future of healthcare. Be part of what’s next.