First Generation Students

Welcome to the First-Generation Students Community at the University of Florida! The resources and tools provided here have been thoughtfully curated to support you as a first-generation college student.

This community includes information and resources to empower you in building your career and professional development at UF and beyond. Take the time to explore articles, blog posts, and success stories from fellow first-gen students. Discover ways to make the most of your time at UF, like getting involved in student organizations, connecting with first-gen alumni, and utilizing real-time labor market data to guide your career choices.

First-Generation Student Resource

The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship (MFOS) assists historically low-income first-generation college students in meeting their college costs. First-generation in college is defined as neither of the student’s parents or legal guardians having earned a bachelor’s degree.

The MFOS program provides recipients a full grant and scholarship package to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida.

How to Have a Profitable Career as an Interpreter & Translator with Laura Valdes

In this Career Spotlight episode, Laura Valdes, founder of Valdes Language Services, shares her career journey and insight as a skilled linguist and owner of a language services agency. Laura, whose love for languages and bridging communication gaps was influenced …

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Paving the Way in Big Law with Latina Legal Minds Founder, Kimberly Lopez

When I was growing up, I thought my only career options were: doctor, lawyer, teacher. In today’s episode, I talk to an actual lawyer and ask her ALL the questions I wish I had had answers to growing up. This …

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Too Big To Fail? Why Failure Is So Hard for First-Gen Students

Many first-generation students carry a tremendous load on their backs. We’re told to get good grades, secure employment, excel in this new country, retain your cultural ties, always push forward, and lastly, work, work, work. Each expectation is a stone …

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Making the Most of Mentorship: 10 Tips From Slack’s Youny Kuang

As the daughter of Chinese immigrants to California and the eldest of three children, Youny was the guiding light for her siblings as they prepared to go to college. In a way, her siblings were her first mentees.

“My parents …

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3 Ways to Highlight Your Career Interests in an Interview

Talking about future goals and career interests is a key component of almost every interview. But the questions“Tell me a little bit about why you want this position” and “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” regularly spark …

By CareerShift
Job hunting & career management solutions
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Job Market DataIn partnership withLightcast logo

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

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Type in a keyword to select a relevant occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Featured Classes

Presentations

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

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…

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…

Cross-Functional Collaboration

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

Requesting Time Off

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

Career Exploration

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

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 do’s 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…

Hiring Process & Offer Evaluation

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

Resumes

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

Career Resources

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

Hi, Gators! In this short video I walk you through creating a winning resume from scratch. All you need to …

Featured Mentor Connections

Arpit Jain

Expert-Recommended People
  • Global President, Marcel Publicis Groupe
Meet Arpit >
Meet Irma >

Terry Hung

Expert-Recommended People
  • Associate Director, UX Design AKQA
Meet Terry >

Steve Walker

Expert-Recommended People
  • Vice President - North America Expeditors International
Meet Steve >

Sarah Suttles

Expert-Recommended People
  • Credit Manager Bunker Holding Group
Meet Sarah >

Natasha Charles

Expert-Recommended People
  • Founder, CEO, Chief Intuitive Strategist Intuitive Coaching with Natasha Charles
Meet Natasha >

Bri Arndt

Expert-Recommended People
  • Recruiting Coordinator Refined Technologies Inc.
Meet Bri >

Dean Di Simone

Expert-Recommended People
  • Founding Partner Function
Meet Dean >

Deisy Lee

Expert-Recommended People
  • Staff Attorney The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
Meet Deisy >
Meet Jacob >

Contact & Location

Phone
352-392-1601
Address

J. Wayne Reitz Union
Suite 1300
PO Box 118507
Gainesville, FL 32611-8507

Career Service Hours

Monday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

We are located on Level 1 of the Reitz Union.