Parents and Families

3 Steps for Career Fair Success

Internship and Career Fairs are a great way for students of all class levels to explore career options while learning about opportunities and employers they may have not considered.  The Internship and Career Center (ICC) suggests 3 steps students should take to make the most of the upcoming career fair on October 12 between 10am-2pm.

Part-time Work as Career Exploration

The UC Davis Internship and Career Center (ICC) states that part-time jobs are a great way for students to gain work experience to be more competitive in their career and job search. Here are a few reasons on why they say this is the case: Gain and Develop Transferable Skills, Explore Different Working Environments and Industries, and Meet and Network with Professionals

Chancellor’s Fellows Strengthen UC Davis Teaching and Research

Your students learn from outstanding faculty at UC Davis. Of special note are our Chancellor’s Fellows, mid-career professors who receive a monetary award to seed pioneering research and involve students in their exciting discoveries. Supported in part by the Parents Fund, the Chancellor’s Fellows program strengthens UC Davis teaching and research—to the benefit of students like yours!

Summer: a great time for career exploration

Take advantage of the summer time to explore self and occupational awareness. The ICC recommends several tools to help your student learn more about their interests, skills, and values, along with helpful tips on job research, informational interviews, and how to gain experience.

Job search success for new grads

Congratulations to the graduates from the class of 2022! For new to career professionals (and for current students thinking about their future career prospects), the job search process can seem over-whelming and often non-productive. So, here are a few tips: 1. Understand the roles, companies and industries for which you are applying. Start with research and informational interviews about roles, companies and industries that interest you. 2. Customize your resume, cover letters and other materials to the role. You don’t have to rewrite your resume for every job – especially when you have little or no experience. However, when possible, you should prioritize content that is relevant. 3. LinkedIn counts. If you are applying for roles online, you should have a compelling and complete LinkedIn profile.   4. Networking is the secret ingredient. Reach out to contacts, alumni and other hiring professionals at targeted companies to learn more and/or to bring attention to your application.

Leverage your summer experience

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2022 survey of employers, some of the most desired skills employers are seeking from new graduates include problem-solving skills, analytical/quantitative skills, the ability to work in a team, written communication skills, and initiative. The UC Davis Internship and Career Center (ICC) suggests a variety of ways to attain the skills employers are seeking through job opportunities such as food service, caregiving roles, and retail. The ICC is holding remote and in-person career advising options, so be sure to remind your student to check out their services! 

Improve your interpersonal skills

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major social and educational impact on students. With virtual learning platforms, social media, and technology, students are spending far more time in front of a screen and less time interacting in-person with others.