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.
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!
Employee donors have a big heart for students, generously supporting scholarships, academic programs, research opportunities and crucial basic needs services that benefit students from all backgrounds.
Parents of current UC Davis students are invited to attend the next in a series of virtual UC Davis Coffee Chats. We'll check in about how your student is doing this quarter. This is also a space to ask questions and get updates from campus.
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.
One of the hallmarks of a UC Davis education is preparation for post-graduate success. The Internship and Career Center and a new initiative called Aggie Launch are dedicated to helping students explore potential career paths and identify the right one for them in a multiyear process that begins their freshman year.
Handshake is the online platform the UC Davis Internship and Career Center (ICC) uses for students and alumni to connect with employers and find job or internship opportunities. As spring approaches, it is important for students to understand how they can utilize Handshake to make the most of their college experience. As a career advisor, I use Handshake every day to connect to students through appointments and workshops, as well as to learn a little more about students’ interests, skills, and experiences.
Give Day, this year April 22-23, is UC Davis’ biggest fundraiser—and an opportunity for parents to make a maximum impact on the programs they care about! Make a gift, follow your favorite programs on social media and watch our leaderboards to see the donations roll in. You can also come to campus on Saturday and enjoy Picnic Day festivities, including a parade! Learn more at giveday.ucdavis.edu and picnicday.ucdavis.edu. Early gifts count on Give Day!
Our brilliant faculty make UC Davis shine. Among the most outstanding are our Chancellor’s Fellows, early-career professors who receive a monetary award to seed pioneering research and engage students in their work. The Chancellor’s Fellows program, supported in part by the Parents Fund, strengthens UC Davis as both a research and teaching institution—to the benefit of students like yours!
Students can use opportunities from internships, job shadowing, observation hours, or informational interviews to apply their knowledge from the classroom, but also build soft and job-specific skills for their future career. The Internship and Career Center offers advice on how to gain immersive experiences through meeting with an ICC career advisor, taking a career course, and more!
