First Generation / Low Income Students

At the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS), we celebrate the strengths, resilience, and unique perspectives that first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students bring to the Grinnell community. Our team is here to support you as you explore career paths, internships, graduate school, and life beyond Grinnell.

We recognize that FGLI students may face distinct challenges, like navigating professional spaces for the first time, balancing work and academics, or accessing funding for career development. Our goal is to walk alongside you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools, resources, and support to succeed.

Advisers in the CLS are here to help guide you towards the many resources and opportunities available to you as a Grinnellian, especially when it comes to out of classroom experiences like research, internships, campus groups and events, and experiential learning. The best way to get started on your own career path is to schedule an appointment in Handshake with a CLS advisor.

Strengths of First-Generation Students

As a first-generation student, you have many unique strengths, qualities and skills that will help you on your career journey. Some of these include: initiative, persistence, focus, motivation, self-awareness, resilience, responsibility, independence, resourcefulness, problem solving, and determination.