First Generation/Low Income

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

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.

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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Get advice from your greatest resource-Duke Alumni!

By Megan Wilson (she, her)
Megan Wilson (she, her) Associate Director, Communications and Outreach
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6 types of employers most welcoming to college students who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, First Generation, Black and African American, Latino, Economically Disadvantaged, or Women

Entering the workforce as a college student from an underrepresented background can be a daunting task. These students often face unique challenges when seeking employment, as they search for organizations that value diversity and inclusivity. In this blog post, we …

By College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career.
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Live Your Best Life and Not Your Best Lies

“Live your best life and not your best lies” is a quote which is shared in Lyric Swinton’s 5-minute TedX Talk where she shares her experience as a first-generation student. As you are going through your Duke experience and learning …

By Alicia Rhodes (she/her)
Alicia Rhodes (she/her) Assistant Director, Career Services
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Job Search for International Students

Many international students who are in the US for school and are pursuing a job search may be thinking about staying in the country post-graduation, returning home to work, or moving to another country. If you fall into either one …

By Alicia Rhodes (she/her)
Alicia Rhodes (she/her) Assistant Director, Career Services
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Career Readiness Resources

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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