First Generation Students

Welcome to the First-Generation Student 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 provides information and resources to empower you to build 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.

Technical Recruiting in 2026: What’s Changing (and How to Stand Out)

The tech recruiting landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, with AI transforming not only the roles you’re pursuing but also the way you prepare and apply. After attending a recent Computing Research Association webinar, I’ve outlined key takeaways to …

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
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Get Real Industry Experience with UF-ITAC (No Experience Needed to Start)

Ready to move beyond the classroom and work on real projects that actually matter to companies across Florida?

The University of Florida Industrial Training and Assessment Center (UF-ITAC) is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience in energy, sustainability, manufacturing, productivity, …

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
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Exploring STEM Careers in Public Service: Insights from the Florida Public Service Commission

STEM students often look to private industry when exploring careers, but a recent conversation with Ryan Sandy at the Florida Public Service Commission highlighted another impactful path. Through a discussion on internships, daily work, and industry trends, one theme stood …

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
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Gain Hands-On Experience Through UF’s Active Learning Program (ALP)

Looking for an internship or research experience for Summer 2026 or Fall 2026 that helps you build real-world skills while earning academic credit? The Active Learning Program (ALP) may be the perfect opportunity for you.

What Is the Active Learning …

By Edwina Hurst
Edwina Hurst Manager
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NASA’s Pathways Internships

Exciting news! NASA’s next round of Pathways internship job postings will be open on USAJOBS.gov from March 30–April 3, 2026.

These opportunities are available for both STEM and non‑STEM majors and have an anticipated start date of August 24, 2026.

…

By Crystal Burton
Crystal Burton Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM
Read more

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.

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

Resources

Pre-Law students seeking financial aid and scholarship support should utilize AccessLex Institute. This website offers many free resources and webinars …

Experiential Learning encompasses diverse personal and professional activities, engaging you beyond the classroom to gain practical insights, develop knowledge and …

Job board related resource through the State of Florida. This page is focused on current students and recent graduates interested …

Join the First-Gen Community on Gator Network!

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

TK Elevator Insight Global ExxonMobil International Paper UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS OFFICER SELECTION TEAM L3Harris Technologies ReliaQuest Enterprise Mobility Anheuser-Busch Ford Motor Company BNY Southwestern Advantage PCL Construction Lutron Electronics P&G Arthrex, Inc. ALDI
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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.