A study of the online job search experiences of first-generation college students in global majority systems

Jacob Oppong NKANSAH; Yuying FAN; Abdul Wali KHAN; Williams AGYEMANG-DUAH; Muhammad Mudassar SHARIF

doi:10.1007/s10775-025-09761-3

A study of the online job search experiences of first-generation college students in global majority systems

Jacob Oppong NKANSAH
, Yuying FAN^*
, Abdul Wali KHAN
, Williams AGYEMANG-DUAH
, Muhammad Mudassar SHARIF

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed) › peer-review

Abstract

This study explores the online job-hunting experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS) from global majority systems, specifically China, Pakistan, and Ghana. Using semistructured interviews, 30 FGCS shared insights on their job hunts. Thematic analysis revealed that while online platforms have expanded job opportunities, FGCS continue to face three major barriers: inequitable access to technology; insufficient institutional support for digital literacy; and mismatches between job portal designs and localized needs. Cross-national comparisons highlighted how socioeconomic contexts mediated these experiences. The study calls for context-sensitive interventions, including university–industry partnerships to adapt job platforms and targeted training programs.

Original language	English
Journal	International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance
Early online date	5 Sept 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-025-09761-3
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 5 Sept 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.

Keywords

Digital divide
First-generation college students
Job-seeking

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10.1007/s10775-025-09761-3Licence: Other

https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10775-025-09761-3

Cite this

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title = "A study of the online job search experiences of first-generation college students in global majority systems",

abstract = "This study explores the online job-hunting experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS) from global majority systems, specifically China, Pakistan, and Ghana. Using semistructured interviews, 30 FGCS shared insights on their job hunts. Thematic analysis revealed that while online platforms have expanded job opportunities, FGCS continue to face three major barriers: inequitable access to technology; insufficient institutional support for digital literacy; and mismatches between job portal designs and localized needs. Cross-national comparisons highlighted how socioeconomic contexts mediated these experiences. The study calls for context-sensitive interventions, including university–industry partnerships to adapt job platforms and targeted training programs.",

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AU - SHARIF, Muhammad Mudassar

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AB - This study explores the online job-hunting experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS) from global majority systems, specifically China, Pakistan, and Ghana. Using semistructured interviews, 30 FGCS shared insights on their job hunts. Thematic analysis revealed that while online platforms have expanded job opportunities, FGCS continue to face three major barriers: inequitable access to technology; insufficient institutional support for digital literacy; and mismatches between job portal designs and localized needs. Cross-national comparisons highlighted how socioeconomic contexts mediated these experiences. The study calls for context-sensitive interventions, including university–industry partnerships to adapt job platforms and targeted training programs.

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KW - Job-seeking

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JO - International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance

JF - International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance

ER -

A study of the online job search experiences of first-generation college students in global majority systems

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

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