First Generation

Empowering First-Generation Students for Career Success

First-gen at Wake Forest? The OPCD’s got you! Use our Career Readiness Fund for career expenses, and get tips from Peer Ambassadors. Join our workshops and Career Treks to explore careers and build your network. We’ll help you use your resilience and skills to shine in the job market. Whether it’s internships or top companies, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The OPCD offers tons of support and resources tailored for first-gen students to help you succeed. Here’s what you can tap into:

  • Career Readiness Fund: Get financial help for career expenses like professional attire, unpaid internships, and travel for interviews.
  • “Coach is In” Drop-ins: Get on-the-spot career advice without an appointment.
  • Peer Ambassadors: Pair up with trained first-gen peers for advice, shared experiences, and support.
  • Events and Workshops: Connect with employers, alumni, and industry pros, plus workshops on resume writing, interviewing, and networking.

We also have specialized programs like Career Treks that show you a range of career options and networking opportunities with professionals and alumni who share your background. Our pre-Trek and Career Fair prep workshops help you build essential skills and confidence. Plus, our inclusive personal branding workshops help you create standout resumes and personal brands.

OPCD helps first-gen students identify and use skills like resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving. With our resume workshops, personal branding sessions, and one-on-one coaching, you’ll learn to showcase your unique background as a strength. Panels and events featuring successful first-gen grads offer inspiration and practical advice.

Many first-gen students have thrived with OPCD’s support, landing internships, getting into grad schools, and securing roles at top companies. Recently, first-gen students have gotten into med school, landed jobs at Morgan Stanley in NYC, and worked as legislative staffers in the U.S. House of Representatives.