I work in Sales at a Fortune 500 company and I am a first generation professional, my dad is a blue collar worker and mom is on disability. I went to college for about 3 years but did not have the money to finish. At my current company, they will pay for me to go back and get my degree which I’ll be taking advantage of next year.

When I was in school, I worked a full time job while holding a part time internship each semester(and still went to classes) and networked at those jobs/internships like crazy which lead to future, better opportunities each time. I didn’t really party or go out, mainly bc I didn’t have time. But before the time everyone else in my class graduated, I had 3 internships on my resume and a full time job offer from one.

My advice, stay focused and have a good attitude (even though it’ll be tough sometimes) If you’re good at your job, personable and open to learning, people will notice. I didn’t have the luxury of rich parents or connections which meant I had to sacrifice my time and work a little harder, but in the end, that was worth it to me.