First Generation/Low Income

Information and resources for those who identify as First Generation / Low Income

The following resources are curated specifically to assist students who identify as first-generation or low income college students, and all students who support the advancement of students who identify as first-generation or low income, explore their interests, find opportunities that best suit their needs and desires, and attain the goals they set for themselves.

From the article, Career Development Needs of First-Generation Students by Heather Maietta, for the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), we understand that a selection of the common barriers students face includes:

  • can possess unrealistic career goals, or have career goals without understanding the aspirations associated with their decision
  • may be uncomfortable in a college environment
  • may have trouble navigating campus services
  • likely face acute financial pressures
  • could be more comfortable with professors and staff than peers, viewing faculty and staff as experts whose acceptance they crave, while being less focused on the social aspects of college
  • may be under the impression they should not ask questions
  • could have low self-efficacy
  • often experience feelings of not belonging/impostor syndrome

We hope to continue to add resources that might be helpful and if you find something valuable, please share it with us.

person with laptop and earbuds on steps

Duke Career Center Professional Development Fund

Through the Professional Development Fund, the Duke Career Center provides funding to support or supplement the career development of students with demonstrated financial need.  Students are eligible to apply for no more than one professional development request per academic year.

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Duke Career Center Terms You Need to Know: A Guide 

Coming to Duke can be overwhelming at first, particularly with the influx of Duke specific terms and concepts for you to learn as you navigate your academic career and prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce. Here is our glossary …

By Jared Smith
Jared Smith Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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Common Questions about the Career Center 

In this article you’ll find a list of common questions we often receive from students. If you’re new to Duke or the Career Center, consider this an introduction to help you better understand how we can support you as a …

By Jared Smith
Jared Smith Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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Top 5 Ways to Connect with the Career Center 

Authors: Kai Kelley Jr. & Jared Smith

If you’re new to Duke or the Career Center, consider this an introduction to help you better understand the resources and support available to you as a Duke student. By using the Career …

By Jared Smith
Jared Smith Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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Cultivating Career Success: The Transformative Impact of Gratitude

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional growth, one often overlooks a simple yet potent tool that can significantly impact their career trajectory – gratitude. Expressing thanks to those who have positively influenced your life might seem like a small gesture, but …

By Jared Smith
Jared Smith Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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Tips for First Generation College Students

Navigating College as a First Gen

Being a First Gen college student can be very overwhelming. It can be difficult navigating a new experience where you are forced to adjust. Many times, First Gens do not feel well quipped or …

By Sh'Maughn Wright, He/Him/His
Sh'Maughn Wright, He/Him/His Career Specialist
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Scholarships & Grants

Professional Development Fund for Attire

Through the Professional Development Fund for Attire, the Duke Career Center provides funding to support …

Career Readiness Resources

As part of the application process for the Duke Career Center’s Internship Funding Program, you will be required to submit …

Careers on Air: First-Generation Students at Google

In this on-demand session from Careers on Air with Google, you can sign up to learn more about First-Generation Students …

Hollywood Diversity Report 2020:  Television

Diversity improves among TV actors, but executives still overwhelmingly white and male
UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report suggests the industry must …

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