First Generation and Low Income Students

Information for First Generation and Low Income Students

Career Services is committed to supporting first generation college students throughout their career exploration and professional development process. We collaborate closely with the Office of Penn First Plus, the Greenfield Intercultural Center, PennCAP, PennKIPP and student groups including PennFirst & Collective Success to provide targeted resources and programming.

Career Planning TimelinesExplore our year-by-year career planning guides to help you make the most of your time at Penn and beyond!
First-Year | Sophomore | Junior | Senior
Marketing Your First Gen ExperienceEffectively articulate the transferable skills you offer employers based upon your first generation experience.
Read more…
First Generation Brag Sheet & OutcomesExplore career paths pursued by first gen Penn grads and learn about the qualities you contribute to the workplace as a first-gen student.
Read more..
Need Professional Clothing? We Can Help!Career Services has renewed our partnership with The Wardrobe (formerly Career Wardrobe)! Students in need of professional clothing are invited to connect with The Wardrobe for a FREE in-person or virtual meeting with a consultant. Click here for more info.
First Gen Mentoring OpportunitiesConnect with first gen alumni eager to share their knowledge and skills with current FGLI students through Penn FLASH. Learn more about how to create effective relationships here.
Penn Resources for FGLI StudentsThis centralized university page features campus resources and information for students who identify as first generation and/or low income.

What's New?

How to Find Organizations Committed to DEI Values

News & Articles
December 16, 2021

Photo By halfpoint

Most social impact organizations today express a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The National Council of Nonprofits encourages organizations to not only articulate their values, but to be guided by them and to integrate them …

By Tiffany Woodall - Idealist Careers

5 Mindfulness Tips for the End of the Semester

News & Articles
December 2, 2021

It’s tough to believe that we are winding down our first semester back in person! It feels like just yesterday that first year students were moving in, the sun was shining down on Locust Walk, and we had an entire …

By Jillian Cener

How to Overcome Perfectionism on the Job Hunt

News & Articles
November 16, 2021

Illustration by Marian Blair

Searching for a job can be challenging and daunting for anyone, regardless of personality or experience. But there are particular hindrances or barriers that can surface for people with perfectionistic tendencies.

Perfectionism, or the practice of …

By Yejin Lee - Idealist Careers

First Gen Fireside Chat: Medical Insights with Perelman SOM student & MedLegs Podcast host, Michaela K. Hitchner

News & Articles
November 12, 2021

In celebration of First Gen Week at Penn, Career Services is highlighting experiences, perspectives and advice from first gen professionals in various career fields.

Learn about life in the medical field through a conversation with Perelman SOM student & MedLegs …

By Ariana Alexander

First Gen Fireside Chat: Banking Insights with Ana Barxha CAS ‘17

News & Articles
November 12, 2021

In celebration of First Gen Week at Penn, Career Services is highlighting experiences, perspectives and advice from first gen professionals in various career fields.

Ready to explore the world of banking and finance? Join us for a Fireside Chat Zoom …

By Ariana Alexander

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HandshakeShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Handshake is Career Services’ powerful platform for University of Pennsylvania students, postdocs and alumni served by our office.  Handshake uses …

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Quaker Career ClosetShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Program held periodically throughout academic year to provide students with an interview outfit.
See details from last event on August …

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MyPennShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Use Penn’s Alumni Directory MyPenn (formerly QuakerNet) to search for fellow classmates or update your contact information.

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Penn FirstShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Penn First is a student organization at the University of Pennsylvania for first-generation college students and students from a low-income …

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The WardrobeShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Career Services has renewed our partnership with The Wardrobe (formerly Career Wardrobe)! Current Penn students in need of professional clothing …

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First Gen Low Income Program (FGLI)Share This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
This centralized university page features campus resources and information for students who identify as first generation and/or low income.

						View Resource