The fact that 1st-generation college students have lower retention rates than their peers and confront barriers hindering college success is well known. However, less information exists about the effect that 1st-generation college status has after college completion. In this qualitative study, the career development experiences of adults from families without college education were examined. Three themes were identified: the role of the father, expectations about career, and expectations about college. Implications for college counselors are provided.

Research team conducted 8 phenomenological interviews with pre‐practicum counseling students at a southeastern research university regarding the students' experiences of learning to be a counselor. Seven themes emerged from analyzing transcripts of the audiotaped individual interviews: the journey, decision making, self‐doubt, counseling is, learning, boundaries, and differences. Results indicate that students view their experiences as a journey permeated with self‐doubt.