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

The NYU Wasserman Graduate Student Team offers programs specifically for first-generation graduate students.  Register for upcoming events through NYU’s Handshake platform. Topics that have been covered in the past include:

  • First-Gen Grad Students: Alumni Panel
  • First-Gen Grad Students: Experiences Dialogue
  • First-Gen Grad Students: Networking on National First-Gen Student Day
  • First-Gen Grad Students: Overview of Wasserman Services
  • First-Gen Grad Students: Resumes and Cover Letters
  • First-Gen Grad Students: Sharing Your Personal Narrative

First-Gen Graduate Certificate

NYU Wasserman is excited to issue students First-Gen Grad Career Certificates for completing career development assignments. Certificates will be issued on a semester basis.

To apply for the certificate, please join the First-Gen Grad Career Listserv and you will receive a designated Google Form detailing how to complete the relevant assignments. To be eligible for a certificate, students must submit all program assignments by the assigned deadline, typically December 1 in the Fall semester and May 1 semester in the Spring. Certificates will be issued approximately 2 weeks after the deadline via NYU email.

first generation graduate career certificate

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 Perspectives

Additional NYU Services