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.

A Day in the Life With Arlene Cabrera at T. Rowe Price

Change is an inevitable element of life that you will see play into your career as well. Lean into the redirection with a Change Management Consultant who embraces the shifts for a living, and take a look into a day …

Read more

Overcoming Wealth Guilt as a First Gen

In this episode, I sit down with Walli Miller, a financial coach and early retiree, to hear her inspiring journey from growing up in a low-income household in the Bronx to reaching financial independence by age 39. Walli shares how …

Read more

Not Too Late to Land an Internship for Summer 2025!

As we approach the midpoint of the academic year, many of you may be thinking, “Is it too late to find an internship for summer 2025?” The answer is a resounding no! While many students have already secured their summer …

By Edwina Hurst
Edwina Hurst Manager
Read more

From Teaching to Tech and Thriving Post-Layoff with Maideli Garcia

In this episode, I chat with Maideli Garcia, a financial educator and former teacher who transitioned to the tech sector by leveraging her transferable skills. Maideli shares how she knew it was time to transition careers, the steps she took …

Read more

UF First-Gen Connections & Community

Join the UF Trailblazer Network: A Community of Firsts

Are you the first in your family or community to achieve something significant? You’re not alone. The UF Trailblazer Network, powered by Gator Network, is a supportive space where students, staff, …

By Marissa Altenburg, M.A., CCSP
Marissa Altenburg, M.A., CCSP
Read more

Sidebar

LinkedIn Learning Certificates

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 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…

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 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…

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

Join the First-Gen Community on Gator Network!

Connect with first-gen alumni, students, faculty, and staff who are ready to …

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 …

Alumni Connections

Sonia Dias

Expert-Recommended People
  • Various Volunteer Positions and Advisory Boards Various Nonprofits
Meet Sonia

Steven Rosencranz

Expert-Recommended People
  • President / Founder The Woods Project
Meet Steven

Brian Kwa

Expert-Recommended People
  • Founder and Recruiter MPH Tech Academy
Meet Brian

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

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.