Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections Education Abroad Program for First-Gen Students at UK
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions for Employers
What is Explore First?
In 2023, the University of Kentucky launched a first-of-its-kind and award-winning program called Explore First: Careers, Cultures, and Connections, an education abroad experience for students who are the first in their family to go to college (First-Generation students). This innovative program is a global learning experience, filled with enriching curricular and co-curricular activities, focused on career readiness.
In the Explore First program, selected First-Generation students, many of whom have high financial need and have never traveled outside the U.S. before, spend three weeks at sites in either Dublin, Ireland or London, England. While abroad, students take a career readiness course and earn academic credit. The students meet with employers and visit companies who variously host panels, mock interviews and team building activities, give tours and talks, review resumes and LinkedIn accounts, discuss cultural workplace norms, and hold networking events for our students. Many company leaders share their personal career journeys and early career employees answer questions or provide tips and tricks on transitioning from college to the professional world.
The students are able to expand their global knowledge and focus on developing transferable skills, such as critical thinking, team building, problem solving, and adaptability.
When did the program begin?
The first trips to Dublin, Ireland and London, England occurred in Summer 2023.
What are the dates for 2025?
Dublin:
Group 1: May 17 - June 7, 2025
Group 2: June 8 - June 30, 2025
London:
Group 1: May 17 - June 7, 2025
Group 2: June 8 – June 30, 2025
What majors and years participate in the program?
The program is open to ALL first generations undergraduate students. The students who participate will come from diverse ages, backgrounds and interests. Often they have high financial need, have not traveled outside of the US, nor been on an airplane.
Why is the program important?
Why was my company selected?
Initially, the University of Kentucky worked with companies who were either partners with the university and/or had ties to the State of Kentucky. We are expanding our reach and partnerships to international companies who are globally known, have a positive impact on society, and the future of the workforce.
Will I be paid for my involvement?
No, companies that partner with us on the program are not paid to participate.
Are there costs for my company to participate in the program?
No, companies do not pay to participate in the program. Occasionally companies will offer a lunch for our group, but it is not required. We are grateful for the time, knowledge, effort, and partnership you and your employees provide.
How many students should I expect?
Each group has 15 students and 2-4 staff program leaders.
How long do companies spend with the students?
Depending on availability and the content, companies can spend between 90 mins to a full day with the students. We are very flexible and will work with each company individually to build the appropriate agenda, schedule, and timeline.
Two groups travel to each city, do I need to host both groups?
Not necessarily. We would like to keep the companies that each group visits similar but realize that may not be an option for our partners. We are very grateful for any time your company will offer and share with us.
What can my company and colleagues offer University of Kentucky students?
Knowledge! Stories, training, tips and tricks, behind the scenes look at what its like in the ‘real-world’, opportunities to meet with employees at all levels (senior execs to early career or interns).
What type of activities can my company provide during their experience abroad?
There are myriad of ideas and ways in which companies have engaged with the students. A few examples are:
| Résumé/CV Reviews |
| Cultural Norms in the Workplace |
| Expat/American Panel |
| General Employer Site Visit(s) |
| Practice Interviews |
| Meeting with Company Leadership |
| Business Dinner |
| Networking Reception |
| Intercultural Fluency and the Global Workplace |
| LinkedIn/Importance of Networking Discussion |
| HR Panel – How to be a Successful Applicant/Candidate |
| Networking Lunch |
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace |
| New Hire/Intern Panel |
| Speed Networking Program |
| Industry-Specific Overviews |
| Future of employment discussion (key skills, trends, hybrid work, diversity, etc.) |
What companies have participated in the past?
Dublin 2023
- Alltech
- Accenture
- Gray Europe
- Abbey Capital
Dublin 2024
- Microsoft
- Alltech
- Gray Europe
- Abbey Capital
- Compass Group
- Schneider Electric
London 2023
- Diageo
- Compass Group
- Neuberger Burman
- Greystar
- Handshake
- Hubspot
London 2024
- Amie Wines and Roden Agency
- Accenture
- Schneider Electric
- Greystar
- Compass Group
- Enterprise Mobility
What types of businesses are involved?
Are there PR opportunities for my company?
The University of Kentucky promotes the program often and there are opportunities to partner in additional ways.
Can my company use this experience for PR?
The University of Kentucky is happy for you and your company to share about the experience through PR opportunities.
Why should my company participate in explore first?
You and your colleagues will get to share your knowledge to students – it is a first-hand experience with American students that are eager to enter the workforce. There is opportunity to learn from the new generation of works and a chance to guide and inspire students. Finally – there is name and brand recognition among students and our other partners.
Who should employers contact to discuss opportunities with Explore First program?
If you have any further questions about Explore First, contact explorefirst@uky.edu.
Partner with Explore First
Are you an employer or organization interested in partnering with Explore First?