Impact of Emotional Intelligence amongst 1st Generation University Marketing Students and Those with College Experience in Their Family

David S. Ackerman, Oscar W. DeShields Jr. 
(Department of Marketing, College of Business and Economics, California State University, USA)

Abstract: Emotional intelligence has been recognized as important for success in the business world. Leadership, team work and success in sales are dependent on a degree of emotional intelligence. This study looks at the impact of emotional intelligence on success amongst students and specifically compares the experience of 1st generation students with those who have college experience in the family. Results suggest that aspects of emotional intelligence such as self control do have an influence on student performance. This impact is greater for 1st generation students than for others. This suggests that activities designed to strengthen emotional intelligence would be a benefit to students early in an academic program. It also suggests that universities with large numbers of 1st generation students might incorporate such activities into mentoring programs as well for students who are at risk academically.

Key words: emotional intelligence, EI, 1st generation students, student performance