First Generation Students (2024/25 or earlier entry)

The University defines a first generation student as any student that is the first in their family (aside from any siblings) to attend University, and therefore are without any support from family that may be knowledgeable degree-level study, moving away from home etc.

The University of Sheffield's FirstGen programme, held by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, acts as a hub for Arts and Humanities students who are the first in their family (aside from siblings) to attend University. Find out more about the project and access the digital magazine here.

Click here to view information about support for first generation students within the Careers & Employability Service.

Students can access 1:1 appointments with Employability Advisors via Career Connect in which they can discuss any concerns about entering career fields as a first generation student in confidence.

The Careers & Employability Services' Equal Opps offer contains opportunities such as:

Open to all Equal Opportunities students, the Equal Opportunities Fund provides up to £300 for students engaging in some form of work experience, from volunteering to travel expenses to attend a research conference. Through this, the Careers & Employability Service aims to level the playing field by ensuring that no student is at a disadvantage when trying to get to their dream career.

The SME Internship Programme, with priority access to Equal Opportunities students, allows eligible students to undertake a paid summer internship with SMEs and charities in the Sheffield City Region. The scheme is an opportunity for students to use their knowledge and skills to benefit a local organisation while gaining valuable career experience.

Do you have any ideas about how the Careers & Employability Service can better support first generation students? Fill in our Equal Opps feedback form here!

Below are some groups/ contacts that may be relevant to first generation students at the University of Sheffield:

• Liberation Committee (concerns anyone who has faced systematic barriers in attendance of and participation in University)

• Liberation Officer contact: liberation.inclusionsofficer@sheffield.ac.uk

• Sheffield 93% Club (open to students who attended state school prior to University)

Do you have any questions about how Equal Opportunities in Careers supports first generation students?

Do you want to talk to us about your experiences as a first generation student trying to get into a career in your chosen field?

Email us at careers-equalopportunities@sheffield.ac.uk