If you're the first in your family to pursue higher education, you're navigating a system most of the people around you haven't seen up close. Here are five free resources to lean on.

1. Career-fit assessments

Free tests like 16Personalities and O*NET Interest Profiler are a useful starting point.

2. Negotiation guides

Khan Academy and Coursera have free salary-negotiation primers that pay for themselves the first time you use them.

3. Peer mentorship

Find a senior in your field on LinkedIn and ask one thoughtful question a month. Most people say yes.

4. Public-speaking practice

Toastmasters chapters meet weekly across every Indian metro and are free for your first visit.

5. Reading lists

Follow the public reading lists of three people whose careers you admire. Read what they read.