Definition

NYU defines first-generation students following the definition of the Common App, which are students for whom neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree or higher.

At the Wasserman Center for Career Development, we strive to be inclusive of any student who may have limited exposure to graduate level educational experiences like those at NYU.

Examples could include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Someone who is from the first generation in their family to receive a bachelor's degree and is now pursuing graduation level education
  • Someone who is from the first generation in their family to pursue graduate level education
  • Someone who is from the first generation in their family to pursue graduate level education in the United States
  • Someone whose family has a history of graduate education, but who doesn’t have access to that knowledge (for example, the family member who has a graduate education has passed away or is estranged from the student)

By opening access to our services, we hope to bring together students who would benefit from additional support and community.

Join Our Listserv

NYU students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to sign up for periodic emails about first-generation graduate student career programs, events, and resources.

Programs

Programs the NYU Wasserman Graduate Student Team offers specifically for first-generation graduate students are listed below. Register for upcoming events through NYU’s Handshake platform.

  • First-Generation Graduate Student Alumni Panel
  • First-Generation Graduate Student Resumes and Cover Letters
  • First-Generation Graduate Student Experiences Dialogue

First-Generation Resources

  • Hive Diversity - Connect with employers on this virtual recruiting platform as early career professionals from self-identified diverse backgrounds (including first-generation).
  • Jopwell - Search for opportunities with partner companies seeking to hire Black, Latinx, and Native American candidates.

First-Generation Articles

Additional NYU Services