I was wondering if you can pick a perk when you first make your character, or do you have to level up the first time before you pick your first perk?

From the information we can glean it is speculated that:

• You can pick a perk when you first make your character:
  Spoiler

  no
• You have to level up the first time before you pick your first perk:
  Spoiler

  yes

We'll know for sure soon, obviously.