First Ascent

A little throwback to the WVU Business and Communications fair two weeks ago! As a student we understand the job market can be very unpredictable and highly competitive, but First Ascent is dedicated to guide and support your career growth and professional skills. Your future is bright right here in WV! Are you a recent graduate looking for a thriving space where you get to experience the career benefits of hybrid and remote work, outdoors and community? Apply via link in our bio. #wvu #firstascentwv #westvirginia #wvugrad #yeswv

In the world of hybrid and remote work, coworking spaces are becoming the preferred space to network, collaborate, and add structure for dispersed teams. And, as a First Ascent member, you gain access to coworking spaces around the state to help you excel in your hybrid or remote role at no cost! Curious about our program? Learn more below! https://lnkd.in/egfTvgRu

September was such an awesome month for our community. Want to experience the best of community, purpose, and the outdoors via the work life balance remote and hybrid work can provide? Join First Ascent today! Link in bio. #photodump #septemberdump #wvugrad #firstascentwv #westvirginia

📸 Member Spotlight: Meet Ian Thayer, a PA native building his career and future right here in West Virginia! As a 2x graduate of West Virginia University and proud member of the First Ascent program, Ian has embraced the opportunity to thrive through remote and hybrid work while staying connected to the community and outdoor lifestyle he loves: "In my interview, one question asked was, ‘do you have any concerns about staying in the state of West Virginia?’ To which I replied, ‘I think this state gives me more reasons to stay, than reasons to leave.’ This state has provided me with so much over the years, and I only feel that it is right for me to give back in some way.” Through First Ascent, an initiative of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative helping our grads stay in state, Ian isn't just working remotely — he’s building a vibrant life and contributing to the growth of WV. Want to join Ian and make your mark in West Virginia? Apply to First Ascent and find out how hybrid and remote work can empower your career while keeping you close to home. Applications are open now! 🌐 firstascentwv.com #FirstAscentWV #RemoteWork #HybridWork #WestVirginia #WVMade #CareerDevelopment #OutdoorLiving #StayAndThrive https://lnkd.in/gc9quJjj

One thing you can bet on when joining our First Ascent community is that you'll have access to our beautiful curated co-work spaces. These spaces are specifically designed to support you as you achieve your professional goals and reach your highest potential! What's more? Our community has a great balance of community, outdoors, hybrid and remote work - and we want you to be part of it! Sign up today via the link in our bio! #westvirginia #wvu #firstascentwv #hybridwork #wvugrad #mountaineers #remotework #yeswv #coworkspace

Join our thriving First Ascent Morgantown community where you get to experience the best of the outdoors, community, remote and hybrid work. Why not sign up today! link in our bio. #remotework #gradschool #morgantown #westvirginia #firstascent

📸 Member Spotlight: Meet Parker Surface, MBA and Landon Lambert, two recent West Virginia University graduates making their mark through WVU’s First Ascent program! Not only are they launching their careers, but they’re also inspiring others to embrace opportunity right here in the Mountain State. 💼💡Through mentorship, community engagement, and professional growth, First Ascent is helping graduates chart new paths and connect with what truly matters. Check out their journey and learn more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/gjYxcYtb #yeswv #choosewv #firstascent #westvirginiajobs #remotework #hybrid Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

📸 Member Spotlight: Meet Eliza, a 2024 West Virginia University graduate, and passionate environmental advocate making a profound impact in West Virginia! 🌿 As a Critical Materials Water Researcher at the West Virginia Water Research Institute and First Ascent member, Eliza combines her love for WV's natural beauty with her dedication to environmental justice and community development. Check out her story below! https://lnkd.in/gcZd_4xi 🖋️Author: Latoya West #WestVirginiaProud #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #RemoteWork #FirstAscentWV #CommunityDevelopment #Sustainability Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

Mentorship is a key part of our programming with First Ascent. Check out this testimonial from one of our Mentors, Bill McKenna 🍀, an Ascend WV member and VP of Strategic Growth with Trilogy Innovations, Inc. and First Ascent Member, Ian Thayer, Associate Compensation Analyst at WVU Medicine, about the power of community and collaboration! #yeswv

“I want more people to realize that First Ascent does more than just coach you in working remotely, but offers events like camping trips, coworking spaces, and lots of social events to meet other First Ascent members. You’ll never just be stuck in your workspace at home every day.” We love to hear about all the wonderful things our grads are doing across the state! Ajia Toth is a recent Marshall University graduate living in our Huntington community. Check out her full story here: https://bit.ly/4c8Z98N