University of North Texas 
Last month, First-Generation Career Week presented by Capital One brought a series of programming focusing on career readiness to the student body at UNT. Events featured professional development opportunities such as resume building, workshops, and networking, as well as resources designed to help students build confidence during their upcoming transition into the workforce.
“I believe there has been a significant impact related to increased confidence in career readiness and engagement with campus departments. Reviewing our assessments, confidence is one of the largest indicators of growth,” said Desiree Padron, Director of the First-Generation Success Center. “Because of this, FGSC offered programs that included elements of wellness, diversification of skills, networking, and one-on-one care to ensure there was growth professionally and personally. The more we develop our students' professional skillsets the more confident they will be. The more confident students are, the more they engage with campus, apply for opportunities, and see themselves in working in industries that were once only dreams.”
First-Generation Career Week also offered a professional panel with associates from Capital One. This panel shared their stories, offered professional advice, and answered questions from the students in attendance.
Throughout the week of events, there were a total of 434 students who attended these workshops. Students have expressed positive feelings after attending the programming from the week, sharing that the resources provided have been of tremendous value.
“Having a career week is important for first-generation students because it creates a space where first-gen students can communicate, connect, and be curious about their future free of judgment,” said UNT first-generation student Daniela Pacheco. “As a first-gen student, this career week allowed me to think about all aspects of the transition from first-generation student to first-generation professional. It also introduced me to multiple resources readily available here at the University of North Texas.”
The First-Generation Success Center would like to thank Capital One for their continued support of programs for our students and once again choosing UNT to align with their Impact Initiative: Workforce Development. Their support for our programming helps create pathways to new opportunities for first-generation and modest-income students.