First generation students are those whose parent(s) have not earned a four-year degree in the United States, students who have experienced the foster care system or identify as an emancipated youth at the start of their bachelor degree.  If you are one of the first to attend college in your family, you have reason to be proud!

Now that you are here, we want to make sure you can make the most of your experience at Arizona State University. Career and Professional Development Services is here to provide resources and opportunities available to you as a Sun Devil, especially when it comes to out of classroom experiences like research, internships, experiential learning, and student clubs and organizations.

 

 

Resources at ASU

Ford First-Gen Career Scholarship

Apply for a scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.

TRIO Student Support Services

Individualized support to help you accomplish your academic and career goals.

Tips for First-Generation Students and Game Changers

Check out these tips for guidance from the Student Success Center and information on Game Changers, success coaching designed for first-generation college students.

Become a SPARKS Ambassador

Beyond serving as role models to Arizona youth, SPARKS members are provided with multiple networking and professional development resources to prepare them for success as students and young professionals.

College success and career exploration

RiseFirst
A committed team of first-generation students and professionals working to develop a comprehensive online platform that empowers first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students and professionals.

I’m First
I’m First! was created in 2013 to provide students who lack a family history of higher education with inspiration, information and support on the road to and through college.

Internships, fellowships and leadership development opportunities

Adelante Fellows
10-month fellowship for next generation leaders in Arizona. Adelante will focus on exposing emerging leaders to what it means to be an advocate, how policies are formed, how the education system works and the role politics play in influencing the system.

The First Generation Civil Rights Fellowship Program
Paid summer program for undergraduate students who are the first in their immediate families to attend college and who intend to pursue careers in social justice.

Institute for Study Abroad: First-Generation Scholarship
Designed to give first-generation college students a chance to benefit from the life-changing experience of studying abroad.

Immigrants Rising: Pre-Law Bootcamp
Immigrants Rising’s Pre-Law Bootcamp is a four-day program designed to provide undocumented young people interested in applying to law school with extra support navigating the process and a community of other pre-law students and legal professionals.

Ascend: Rise First’s Career and Leadership Accelerator
Virtual 10-week program designed to foster and advance the creative, academic, and social empowerment of first generation, low income (FGLI) college-undergraduate students.

Job/career search sites

In addition to using Handshake, check out the sites below as you search for your next journey.

College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent graduate deserves a great part-time, seasonal, internship or entry-level job.

Getting Hired
Explore companies committed to providing bias-free job opportunities.

Featured Articles

Resources

An award winning podcast and the first and #1 show in the world for first-generation scholars and professionals.

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Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

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View all Job Market Insights here.

Featured Classes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Explore the essential roles and functions you’ll be collaborating with at top companies, then dive into best practices for leading…

Resumes

Get seen by employers and put your best foot forward in the application process by unlocking key hacks and tips…

Career Exploration

Finding your career path doesn’t have to be a headache! Learn the difference between constructive and overwhelming questions to ask…

Networking & Outreach

Utilize practical exercises and advice from successful professionals to grow your network, build your professional community, represent your organization, and…

Clarifying Expectations

What questions do you need to ask to get the job done correctly? Improve your ability to communicate with your…

Goal Setting

Setting relevant and precise goals is a recipe for career success—but where do you start? Learn how to choose which…

Giving & Receiving Feedback

Feedback is a two-way street — this course helps prepare you to thoughtfully give and receive constructive feedback with team…

LinkedIn Overview

Learn how to harness all of LinkedIn’s features in order to optimize your job search, expand your network, and maximize…

Informational Interviews

Careers aren’t built alone! Informational interviews are a key tool in your professional toolbelt: learn how to leverage the peers…

Hiring Process & Offer Evaluation

Upgrade your hire-ability by demystifying the hiring process from application to offer.

Requesting Time Off

Nervous about requesting time off from work? Not sure how to ask your manager? Get the essential information and templates…

Presentations

Improve your ability to communicate big ideas to clients, teams, and execs by honing your presentation skills! Gain access to…

Cover Letters

When used correctly, a cover letter can be a valuable companion to your resume. This course will provide the samples…

Interviewing

Prepare to ace the interview! Dive into interview fundamentals, secrets to making a great first impression on employers, and how…

Professional Writing & Organization

Take a deep dive into the unspoken dos and don’ts of professional communication with coworkers, customers, managers, and more! Then,…

Presence & Professionalism

Whether you’re in the office, joining a remote meeting, or attending a work event, how you show up matters! Demystify…

Getting to Know Your Manager & Team

Navigating a new workplace is a challenge. Start your new role with confidence by asking the right questions on (and…