First-Generation Graduate Students and Postdocs

As a first-generation graduate student or postdoc, you offer a unique perspective to your program of study and to your future place of employment. These resources, programming and career education content are designed to aid you in considering how your experience has shaped your professional identity. Additionally, you will find resources to connect with employment opportunities and the first-generation advanced career community. 

Upcoming Events

Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday November 4, 2025, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.142 - Classrooms ABC
Join us for a welcoming Lunch & Talk designed especially for first-generation graduate students. This event is a chance to connect with fellow first-gen peers, share experiences, and build community in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday November 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Patton Hall (RLP), Glickman Conference Center, 1.302
In this session, Speaker Omar Abdullah will cover: Practical, non-cringey strategies to gain buy-in, follow up meaningfully, and stay top of mind inside and outside academia. In this session, graduate students will get comfortable with the parts of professional life that no one really teaches: influence, presence and connection.
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First-Generation UT Alumni

Professional Development Resources

Rise First Resource List

A searchable list of over 1,200 programs and scholarships designed specifically to help first-generation students and professionals.

Scholarships for First-Generation and International Students in STEAM

A list of fellowships and scholarships for graduate students entering into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Math) fields. Curated by University of Michigan.

100K Mentor Program

100K Mentor Program connects professionals from companies across the
country with first-generation students to act as virtual mentors.

Alliance for Graduate Education and Professoriate

Funded by the National Science Foundation, AGEP helps graduate students who are first-generation, disabled or women complete their degree and postdoctoral training in STEM.

Network and Community Resources

Building a Professional Network for First-Generation Graduate Students

Review this presentation by Annie Maxfield, director of the Office of Career and Life Design, to learn how to build and expand your professional network as a first-generation scholar.

Empowering First Generation College Students (Facebook group)

National networking group of first-generation students at every level of education, offering resources and community.

First-Generation Longhorns

UT’s first-generation campus community.