Turning Your UC Degree into a Career!

Ensuring Transfer SuccessMay, 2014

Presenters:Sarah Backes-Diaz – UCB Career Center

Allison Keller – UCI Career CenterPatricia Garcia – UCLA Admissions

Brian O’Bruba – UCM Career CenterEbony Lewis – UCSC Admissions

Your major is like the steering wheel of a car;

You decide what direction it will lead you!

A UC major and a future career….

• The major is a STARTING Point.• Choosing a major does not mean a student has

chosen a career• It is not true that most majors lead directly to

particular jobs• There are a variety of career paths related to a major not just one

What is the connection?

• Sonia Sotomayor (Supreme Court Justice)

• Will Ferrell (Actor/Comedian)• Carly Fiorina (Businesswoman/Politician)• Natalie Portman (Actress)• Michael Jordan (Basketball Legend)• Oprah Winfrey (Talk Show Host)

GUESS THE MAJOR….

ANSWERS….

• Sonia Sotomayor (Supreme Court Justice)– History

• Will Ferrell (Actor/Comedian)– Sports Broadcasting

• Carly Fiorina (Businesswoman/Politician)– Philosophy and Medieval History

• Natalie Portman (Actress)– Psychology

• Michael Jordan (Basketball Legend)– Geography

• Oprah Winfrey (Talk Show Host)– Speech and Drama

WHY DO STUDENTS CHOOSE A MAJOR?• They based their decision on its

perceived earning potential

• They followed the advice or in some cases (the demands) of friends and family

• They drifted into their major• Other reasons: -Inspiration from teachers -Exposure to internships -Taking a course in the specific major

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT?• Selective/Impacted Majors• What’s the Best Fit• Alternative Majors• Time to Degree• Limited Options to Change Majors

CONNECTING MAJORS AND JOBS….

• Many people end up working in careers that are not directly related to their majors. Why?

– Most jobs are NOT major specific or will consider any major– People’s interests change as they develop– People want to study one thing but work in a different area– Most majors are theoretical– Most majors teach very transferrable skills– Additional experiences paved their career paths

REGARDING MAJORS….

• Many companies seek employees with any major. Why?– A college degree says a lot about you

• Hard working• Time management• Team player• Presentation skills• Research skills• Writing abilities• Critical thinking skills• Multi-tasking skills

KEEP IN MIND….

• Employers are often more concerned about your SKILLS than they are about your specific major.

• Companies are willing to train newly graduated college students in any major for specific positions. (e.g. Rotational Program)

• Some companies or organizations might be looking for specific skills, experience and abilities.

DESIRED SKILLS….

• Multiple languages• Good Communication Skills

(writing, verbal)• Interpersonal skills (problem

solving, constructive feedback, initiative, etc.)

• Management/Leadership• Evidence of perseverance• Analytical skills• Collaboration/teamwork

BUILDING A “TOTAL PACKAGE”

• Leadership experience• Internships• Research• Student clubs and activities• Volunteer experience• Studying abroad• Networking • Build a social media presence (ex. Linkedln)• Learn how to put together a good resume and

personal statement and work on your interview skills

MORE ABOUT INTERNSHIPS

Internships provide:

• Skill development and professional training

• “Real world” experience and a chance to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom

• An opportunity to “test drive” a career

• Mentoring and networking opportunities

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

Law schools/business schools accept any major

You can major in various areas and go to medical school if you have the requirements for admissions

Masters and PhD programs are looking for you to meet prerequisites and demonstrate the following:

o Evidence that you can do well in the program and that you will be able to handle the rigorous work

o A good personal statement and demonstrate interest in the programo Reference letters that can attest to your ability and preparedness for

graduate schoolo Good graduate test scores and undergraduate grade point average

PATHS TO A CAREER

• Careers stories are unique - and people change careers several times in their lives

• Linear Pathways (e.g. Engineering major to career)

• Careers that may require more planning (e.g. advanced degrees)

• Additional Considerations: - New careers will develop that don’t exist today - Personal skills/interests/values change over time

CAMPUS RESOURCES

– Campus Career Center• Free for students• Individual & group advising• Assessment tools• Job Shadow Programs

– Fairs and Special Events• Job & Internship fairs• Graduate School Fairs• Multi Cultural Career Conference• Alumni Networking events

OTHER RESOURCES

• Career Advice Videos http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.aspx?aid=474&partid=0&apass=/j8bKfreUnYuxo/GZaXXdQ==&id=1149&pref=http://careers.ucsc.edu/index.html&src=VLI&

• Career Guide http://career.ucla.edu/Files/PDF/CareerGuide/2013/CG_2013_2014_Chapter2_091313.pdf

• Career Maphttp://www.onetonline.org/

• Exploring Your Majorhttp://uncw.edu/career/WhatCanIDoWithaMajorIn.html

OTHER RESOURCESCampus Name WebsiteUC Berkeley Career Center https://career.berkeley.edu/

UC Davis UC Davis Internship and Career Center

http://icc.ucdavis.edu/

UC Irvine Career Center http://www.career.uci.edu/

UC Los Angeles Career Center http://career.ucla.edu/

UC Merced Center for Career & Professional Advancement

http://hire.ucmerced.edu/

UC Riverside Career Center http://careers.ucr.edu/   

UC San Diego Career Services Center http://career.ucsd.edu/

UC Santa Barbara UCSB Career Center http://career.ucsd.edu/

UC Santa Cruz Career Center http://careers.ucsc.edu/

 

Questions?