First Generation Students
Are you a first-generation college student navigating your academic journey and planning for your future career?
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign defines first-generation as “neither parent nor guardian have earned at least a bachelor’s degree.”
As a first-generation college student, you have many unique strengths, qualities and skills that will help you on your career journey and move you towards career success! A few examples include initiative, persistence, focus, motivation, self-awareness, resilience, responsibility, commitment, independence, resourcefulness, problem-solving, being value driven, and determination.

We understand the unique challenges that first-generation college students face as they strive to achieve their career goals. That's why we've curated a comprehensive collection of resources tailored specifically to your needs.
• Career Exploration: As a first-generation student, it can be hard to know what careers are out there, and which one is the best fit for you. Explore different career paths and industries to find the right fit for your skills, interests, and values. Our career exploration tool, PathwayU, will help you identify potential career options and set achievable goals.
• Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Crafting a compeling resume and cover letter is essential for landing internships and full-time positions. As a first-generation student, you want to learn how to highlight your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments effectively through our resume and cover letter writing guides. You can also meet with an advisor to walk through your experiences and how best to portray them in your professional documents.
• Interview Preparation: Prepare for interviews with confidence by utilizing our interview preparation resources. From mock interview simulations to tips on answering common interview questions, we'll help you sharpen your interviewing skills and make a positive impression on potential employers.