Career resources for first-generation students
Definition
According to First-Generation Student Support at Virginia Tech, a student is identified as a first-generation college student if neither parent or guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.
Virginia Tech has been designated as a First-Gen Forward institution by the Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation that highlights best practices, professional development opportunities, programs, services, and sources of engagement for first generation college students and practitioners who are commited to supporting them.
Advising
Generally when you schedule an advising appointment with Career and Professional Development, you will meet with an advisor who works with students in your college.
We also have an advisor who serves as liaison to First-Generation Student Support, Ms. Joy Capers. If you wish to meet with Ms. Capers, please use the option to schedule by phone.
CPD advisors assist students with many career-related topics. You can schedule an advising appointment for help, including:
- exploring career options
- seeking experience, which can include:
- volunteer work
- part-time and summer jobs
- co-ops and internships
- undergraduate research opportunities
- leadership/involvement in student and community organizations.
- general resume/CV and cover letter reviews
- job and internship search strategies
- interviewing tips and techniques
- a practice (also called "mock") interview
- negotiating salary
Resources
Career and Professional Development resources, in addition to our job and internship search guide:
- Career-related terms glossary for first-generation students (pdf).
- Hokie Mentorship Connect (HMC) is a platform for students to connect with alumni and other students.
- HMC includes discussion groups; one is Empowering First-Generation Students. To participate, your first step is to sign up on Hokie Memtorship Connect.
Virginia Tech resources: