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.

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

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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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Niche Job Boards!

4 Minute Read

We often have students asking questions about where they might be able to start looking for tailored roles of interest. Since there are countless options out there, I pulled some options to get you thinking from my …

By Jared Smith (He/Him)
Jared Smith (He/Him) Associate Director, Early Engagement
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Main Character Energy: Owning Your Story in Interviews

During behavioral interviews you will be asked to talk about your experiences but knowing how to shape those stories can be a bit challenging. This pilot presentation is designed to help you practice telling your story with confidence and intention.

By Jared Smith (He/Him)
Jared Smith (He/Him) Associate Director, Early Engagement
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March’s Job Search To Do List

1 Minute Read

Let’s keep this month ultra simple. If you’ve been searching for a while, I imagine you’re hitting roadblocks, questioning your motivation, and/or wondering what you could be doing differently to make it all work. That’s normal. This …

By Jared Smith (He/Him)
Jared Smith (He/Him) Associate Director, Early Engagement
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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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Spring 2026 Upcoming Job/Internship Fairs

Whether you are searching for an internship or job, here are the job fairs that are happening this spring!

Quantitative Sciences Graduate Career Fair

January 27, 2026 (2pm-5pm)

Duke 2026 Spring Engineering + Tech Fair TechConnect (in person)

January 28, 2026 …

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

Career Readiness Resources

The Spring Forward initiative is an exciting collaboration between DukeLIFE and the Duke Career Center, specifically tailored to offer valuable …

‘Dear Pathfinder’ Ask Column

Unlock Professional Success with ‘Dear Pathfinder’

Are you a current student or young professional on the road to professional achievement …

Coming to Duke can be overwhelming at first, particularly with the influx of Duke specific terms and concepts for you …

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 …

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