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Career development is a lifelong process. Exploring your career options early will help you maximize your experiences and future career trajectory. Always embrace opportunities that help you explore your interests, values and skills.

When you understand your strengths and interests, you can identify industries, companies and roles that match your skills and values.

Changing interests, combined with the rapidly evolving economic landscape, will require you to remain flexible and make numerous career decisions throughout your lifetime.

Self-Discovery

As you progress in your education, it is perfectly okay not knowing exactly what you want to do later in life. Take time to learn as much as you can about your skills, interests and values. This information will help you explore the exciting world of career possibilities that await you. Here are some questions to help you identify your interests and values:

What do you like to do?
What experiences at UCLA have you enjoyed?
What did you like about each experience?
What challenges did each experience offer?
What clubs and organizations have you enjoyed being involved with?
What skills do you need to further develop for growth?
Continue to explore interests through general education and upper division courses in your chosen area of study. Develop your skills through student organizations, extracurricular activities, research and part-time work.

Talk about your career interests with family, friends, professors, UCLA alumni and other professionals through informational interviews and become comfortable talking about your interests.

The Informational Interview

An informational interview is a conversation with a professional in a career field you are considering, which will help you gather information to assist in your career planning process. One of the best ways to find out what an industry, company or role is really like is to speak with people in the careers you’re considering. No one else can give you a better sense of the real life experiences, the challenges and opportunities, hidden demands, and limitations of the career field. Informational interviews provide you many benefits including:

Obtaining a realistic grasp of a career, industry or company.
Evaluating whether your career of interest is compatible with who you are.
Receiving specific suggestions and ideas on where to gain experience.
Expanding your professional network for future opportunities
Securing referrals to other professionals for additional perspectives.
An informational interview may even lead to an internship or volunteer opportunity where you can continue to explore the area, industry or role that you’re interested in. We also encourage you to continue maintaining communications with those that you have informational interviews with.

The Internship

More than ever, employers today look at an entry-level job candidate’s track record of “real world” experiences and accomplishments before extending an offer for a permanent position. They rely heavily on internships and volunteer work to assess the skills, abilities, and qualifications of potential full time employees.

Internships and volunteer work provide prospective employers an opportunity to observe your content knowledge, initiative, creativity, skills, values, interests, and other personal attributes, which are a few of the intangible qualities that don’t come through on a resume and manifest themselves only briefly during an interview.

An internship or volunteer position gives you a chance to explore and test your career interests on a short-term basis. You’ll be able to get a realistic idea of what the industry is all about, decide whether the job is one you enjoy, and evaluate whether you “fit” into the company culture. It’s definitely a two-way street! Benefits of working as an intern include:

Gain valuable real world experience and learn new skills.
Explore and test different career possibilities before making a long-term commitment.
Demonstrate to future employers your interest in your chosen career field.
Make contacts and develop important networking and mentoring relationships.
Prove yourself on a trial basis to a potential employer.
Remember that this is just the beginning and that you will continue to explore and develop your interests, skills and values throughout your professional life.

UCLA has mainly been an in-person learning university with the exception of some programs so the recent shift to remote learning can be a huge adjustment for both students and faculty alike. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition to your new remote learning environment:

1. Be Disciplined.

Just as you would in a regular in-person course, you have to be disciplined enough to attend your class and pay attention just as you would in a lecture hall. Set aside times to study for your courses and although you might have the flexibility to do things on your own time, make sure to still keep up with your coursework and allocate both reading and assignment time. Remember that despite the course being moved to a remote platform, you are still paying tuition and working to further your education. Treat your remote learning course just like you would a face-to-face course and you’ll already be on the right track!

2. Create a Routine.

Remote learning is not only an adjustment from a technological point of view but also requires a lifestyle change. Make sure that you have a quiet designated study space in your current environment. This can be a kitchen table, a desk in the home office, or even your couch. Experiment and see which area works best for you! Regardless of your space of choice, make sure that you have access to high-speed internet so that you are not learning via a slow lagging connection. By studying in the same place every day you will begin to create a routine and associate that place with your studies. Make sure to stay organized and keep all of your necessary supplies (textbooks, laptop charger, notebooks and pens) handy.

3. Eliminate Distractions.

Being at home presents a lot of potential distractions. You may be tempted by putting on a tv show “in the background”, social media, all the snacks in your kitchen and even doing your laundry to avoid your assigned course readings. The most successful online students are able to tune out distractions and focus on their studies. The level at which you are able to do this will depend on your own personality. For some, tuning out your noisy surroundings is as simple as turning on some music, whereas for others the problem might be needing more willpower. There are small things you can do to help yourself focus better if that is the case. For example, if you know that TV is tempting for you, use watching an episode of your favorite show as a reward for finishing your assignments for the day. This can serve as a motivator for you. Come up with your own reward system and explore your ability to tune out distractions.

4. Figure Out What Works For You.

You may already have done this during your time at UCLA, but figuring out whether you work best by studying with a group, studying alone, in the morning or at night, can be extremely beneficial. Carry these strategies with you through this experience! Where there is a will, there is a way! You can still have Zoom or Google Hangouts study groups, facetime a study buddy, and even screen share your notes with classmates if you’re a group studier! Make sure to add this into your daily routine!

5. Be Engaged.

You only get what you put into this online experience, so make sure to be engaged in your courses! Participate just as you would in a face-to-face environment and you will be making the most of your online experience. If you have a question during the lecture, ask! Your Professors will be thrilled to have an engaged student. If your course has online modules, be sure to complete them and participate in any online forums to create connections with your fellow classmates. You never know how helpful those forum connections can turn out to be!

6. Be Calm.

This has been a time of constant change but one thing to remember is to keep calm and know that you are a part of a community of resilient, compassionate and inspiring Bruins. Your university is here for you and happy to support you and your needs during this time. If you have any questions reach out to Alumni Career Programs.

Produced by UCLA Alumni Affairs, The Bruin Career Insights series features distinguished alumni in a unique Q & A style discussion covering a variety of professional development topics to provide insight into specific professions, industries or skill sets. As a live series on YouTube, those watching have the opportunity to ask their own questions during the livestream. Past topics have included breaking into the entertainment industry, gaining insight into launching a start-up and preparing for your best interview.

THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE

The drive to succeed can shape every aspect of our lives, especially our career. Scott Sakamoto ’00 knows this well. He’s a production supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios. When he realized his passion was in feature animation – though he had no experience in it – he set a goal and pursued it relentlessly. He even went as far as calling the Head of Story for the movie “Monsters Inc” every day for months just to get the advice he needed to follow his dream.

In this installment of Bruin Career Insights, Scott details his journey transitioning from sports marketing towards Disney animation. He’ll share the many lessons he learned along the way about career open-mindedness, tapping into your network and the power of perseverance.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the UCLA Alumni YouTube Channel to receive notifications for future installments of Bruin Career Insights. For questions, contact careerprograms@alumni.ucla.edu.

PAST EPISODES

MINDFULNESS FOR CAREER SUCCESS

Do you feel like in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s all too easy to fall behind on your commitments while your stress and anxiety levels rise? Tune in to the next installment of the Bruin Career Insights series as academic coach and NeuroObjectives founder Haleh Kouchmeshki ’07 discusses how we can utilize mindfulness to maximize our potential, while creating a greater sense of balance and calm amidst the chaos of life. 

MAXIMIZING YOUR UCLA NETWORK

With nearly half-a-million UCLA alumni worldwide, your Bruin network is a vast, diverse and underutilized resource. For some, navigating such a large network can be intimidating until you realize finding fellow Bruins who share your interests, location, career field or cultural background is very easy and can help you in your personal or professional needs.

In this episode of Bruin Career Insights, we explore tips for tapping into the Bruin network. Leaders from Bruin Professionals, Tiffany Chin and Rod Ponce, share stories from their own career journeys and offer tips on networking to your advantage. Watch and learn how to maximize your Bruin connections!

CREATING A GREAT COMPANY CULTURE

Payscout, one of LA’s fastest growing companies, was featured as #17 on Entrepreneur’s Top Company Cultures List for the medium-sized business category in 2017. This is no surprise since one of the CEO’s goals is for Payscout to become “the best place to work in the world.” Find out how Juan Sotelo, Payscout’s Chief Operating Officer, forges a strong company culture and why it’s so important for the longevity of Payscout.

JOB SEARCH TIPS FOR RETURNING TO WORK

Getting back to work after an extended leave is easier said than done. Whether you left to care for a family member, personal injury or to pursue a passion project, you can turn that gap in your resume into an asset for a potential employer. Tune in to the next episode of Bruin Career Insights on YouTube Live, as career counselor and coach Vicki Rothman ’85 discusses how to transition back to work after months or years of unemployment. She offers tips on how to communicate your transferable skills and how to rebuff the challenges you may encounter.

USING GAMIFICATION TO GET AHEAD

In this episode of Bruin Career Insights, gamification pioneer, Yu-kai Chou, discusses the role-playing game he developed that can improve your personal and professional life. As part of the game, you can identify your abilities, gain experience and expand your network. Watch this episode to find out how a game can help you reach your full potential.

NETWORKING IN ENTERTAINMENT

Hollywood is a town built on networking. Knowing the right people and being well-connected opens doors and secures resources. Hollywood TV writers, Marissa and Justin Hillian know the value of networking in the entertainment industry all too well. Every gig they’ve ever landed came through connections and never through an application. In this next episode of Bruin Career Insights on YouTube Live, learn the art of networking and personal branding. Discover what missteps to avoid and how to leverage your existing network to accomplish your goals.

INSIDE THE HIRING PROCESS

Applying for a job can be a difficult and humbling process. You may have the right qualifications, but still get overlooked by potential employers. How do you step up your game? In this installment Bruin Career Insights, executive recruiter Katya Daniel ’08 arms you with the inside scoop on how to win the hiring process. She shares the characteristics that recruiters look for, offers tips on how to tell your authentic story and gives some practical advice on becoming the best candidate for the job.

FROM FIRST GEN TO NEXT-GEN LEADER

Today’s First Gen students are our next generation of leaders, bringing with them a diverse set of skills and perspectives that can change the landscape of society and the workplace. In this installment of Bruin Career Insights, first generation grad Corey Matthews ’10, M.Ed. ’11, a nonprofit management and public policy professional, discusses how our diversity in experiences, viewpoints and abilities serve to our advantage and that of our employers.

BRUIN CAREER INSIGHTS FROM A DISNEY IMAGINEER

Dave Crawford ’95 is a longtime Disney Imagineer. When he first graduated with a mechanical engineering degree at UCLA, he didn’t envision himself one day leading the mechanical engineering team responsible for creating new rides at the world’s largest theme park company. In this installment of the Bruin Career Insights, Crawford discusses his journey of success at Disney, what kinds of STEM opportunities exist in entertainment and how utilizing your mentors and advocates can help you find your best fit and career path, no matter the industry.

BRINGING YOUR FULL SELF TO YOUR CAREER

More often than not, job descriptions aren’t tailor-made to suit one’s interests and abilities. Rather, it’s typically the employee who conforms to what the job requires. But what if you can incorporate what you’re most passionate about into your career? That’s precisely what organizational expert Devon Dickau ’07, M.B.A ’15 will discuss on the next Bruin Career Insights live stream. The dual UCLA-degree holder with a master’s from Harvard is living his dream, landing a job at Deloitte Consulting advising both organizations and individuals on how to attain their goals. As a mentor himself and designer of mentoring programs for his clients, Dickau will share how to leverage networking relationships to achieve personal and professional success.

ADAPTING TO CHANGE

The world changes at a rapid pace, especially if you work in the tech and startup industries. Join us and Corinne Crockett ’10 next week as we discuss how to be nimble in the face of change and the importance of flexibility when it comes to innovation.

THE MYTH OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE

We live in complex times and we have big goals and dreams; not surprisingly, balance in our personal universe remains elusive. Often framed as a question of balance between competing demands at work and at home, real-world balance is far more muddied than a simple seesaw of the two. For most of us, it’s a near-constant negotiation between the collection of our complicated passions and objectives set against the backdrop of a complex and contentious world. This installment of the Bruin Career Insights series, leadership development expert Crystal Schaffer explores the classic work-life balance equation. She will challenge us to think multi-dimensionally about the paradoxes that define our ideals and profile seven tools you can use to embrace the complex and find your own equilibrium.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Like in any relationship, finding the right employer comes down to shared values. Taking an honest assessment of your career values, passions and work style will help identify companies most compatible with you and focus your search. In the next installment of the Bruin Career Insights series, Natalie Kim ’08 will help you analyze what characteristics to look for in an employer. From basics like geography and size, to deeper criteria like workplace culture, work-life balance or your belief in the mission, she will address these questions and make your job search a lot less daunting!

MICRO LEADERSHIP

Establishing yourself as a reliable team member with strong leadership skills can fortify your position within an organization. You do not need to be in a position of authority in order to lead or make impactful changes. Join us and our special guest speaker this month as we discuss micro leadership and learn how you can be a leader without being the leader.

YOUR BEST INTERVIEW

Whether it’s a fresh start or a kick start for your career, the interview process can make or break your chances of landing the position you want. Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for this all-important personal interaction. Bruin Career Insights: Your Best Interview explores the critical elements you need to know to make a great first impression. Learn the do’s and don’ts of how to present yourself, reduce the risk of rejection and increase the odds of getting an offer.

THE INTROVERTED ENTREPRENEUR

Starting a business requires being persistent and taking risks. Most people believe entrepreneurs need to be energetic and outgoing to be champions for their business, but introverts take note: you can be a successful entrepreneur and still protect your time and energy.

STARTING OUT IN START-UPS

You are a creative big-thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit who is not afraid of hard work, can wear many hats and is always ready to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. Your talent, personality and passion could make working at a startup an exciting challenge and be a great fit. Watch this edition of Bruin Career Insights for a special session unique to the startup job search, facilitated by Vikas Gupta ’03, M.B.A. ’11, that will help you create a plan to unearth jobs, get noticed and grow your career.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS

In today’s competitive job market, employers have a thin margin of error in their search for the right applicant. When it comes to identifying the right job candidate, UCLA Anderson School of Management alumna Kate Pletcher M.B.A ’07 has got the eye for talent. As the head of a full-service recruiting firm, she shares her professional insights on what qualities rise to the top and what steps you can take to stand out from the crowd.

NAVIGATING NONPROFITS

From small local charities to large international agencies, there are many kinds of nonprofit organizations. This edition of Bruin Career Insights taps into an insider’s knowledge of how to navigate a career in the nonprofit world.

BREAKING INTO ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment can be a rough and tumble industry for a novice. In this edition of Bruin Career Insights, Brad Hall provides his insider knowledge and learn how to kick-start a career in entertainment.

GET INVOLVED

Sign up for Bruin Edge (our bi-weekly newsletter) and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for upcoming events, programs and installments of Bruin Career Insights.

Your emphasis when networking should be on building relationships and making connections in a purposeful, organized way. Networking is the most effective way to find jobs, internships, and professional opportunities. Although you would likely love to find yourself working for your mentor, you shouldn’t be directly asking your mentor for a job. Instead, focus on building professional relationships with those who can give you advice, insights, and perhaps leads to specific job opportunities.

Prepare:

• Be ready with a one minute pitch of who you are.
  • This is not your life history. Describe an interesting project you have worked on recently, a passion for a particular area of emphasis in your field of study, and a few words about your interest and enthusiasm for your work and desired position.
• Have several key conversational points in mind – connect with them over both attending UCLA.
• Think about your purpose: Is it career research? Career development?
  • Target your questions around your purpose.
  • Do you want to know about the industry? The organization? Occupations in this field? Related occupations? Graduate school?

First Impressions:

• Dress appropriately and accessorize conservatively – it is better to be over dressed.
• For women: This is a great blog with photos of business casual attire.
• Don’t chew gum and put away your phone.

Introduce Yourself:

• Thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
• Shake their hand.
• Show a genuine interest in their line of work/study.
  • Most people like to talk about themselves, and are happy to give advice.

Questions to Get Started:

• Can you tell me a bit about your background?
• How did you get started in this line of work?

Questions to Ask About an Occupation:

• What is the organization/ firm/ company culture like?
• What advice would you offer to someone trying to break into this industry?
• What does a person do in this occupation on a typical day? Is there a set routine?
• What educational program is recommended as preparation for the job? Distinguish between what is desirable and what is necessary.
• What degree or certificate do employers look for? In what fields?
• What skills are particularly important?
• What kind of work experience would employers look for in a job applicant? How might a student obtain this work experience?
• What advice would you offer to someone who is still trying to explore industries?
• What other steps (if any) are necessary to enter this occupation (e.g., test, join a union)?
• What are the opportunities for advancement? Is an advanced degree needed? If so, in what area?
• What are the different work settings in which people in this occupation may be employed (e.g., educational institutions, businesses)?
• What are some related occupations? Are there occupations doing similar work, but at different levels or in different areas? Where else might I explore?
• Could you recommend other colleagues or friends with whom I can speak? Is it OK to use your name when I contact them?

Prospects of the Career:

• How does a person seek a job in this area?
• What are current employment prospects in this city? Elsewhere?
• Do you see any future trends or changes in the direction of the problems and topics considered in your area?
• How will these changes affect the plans and training of persons interested in a career in your area?
• What difficulties do you think a person entering this field now can expect to encounter?

Wrapping Up the Meeting:

• Thank them for meeting with you.
• “This has been very informative! May I contact you again in a couple of weeks after I follow up on… x, y, and z?”
• Send them a thank you card to their work, or at least a thank you email!
• Follow through with what you promised.
  • Did they give you a colleague to contact? Ask them to coffee.
    • “I am a graduating senior at the UCLA and ___  gave me your contact info as someone I might reach out to with questions about x, y, and z. I am interested in working in… /studying… /learning more about… Would you be willing to meet me for coffee for 30 minutes near your work place in the coming weeks to hear more about the work that you do with… ?”
  • Did they tell you to research an organization, an academic program, a search engine? Do it, and mention it in your next contact to them.
  • Email them again in the next few weeks to follow up on your conversation.

Questions for you to Reflect on After the Meeting:

• What aspects of the job would you like?
• What aspects of the job would you dislike? How long could you put up with them?
• What is your reaction to the conditions (e.g., stress/anxieties) of this occupation? Could you handle them?
• What is your reaction to the amount of freedom or leeway the worker has in determining what he/she does on the job?
• How do you feel about working with the kind of people that you have met in this field?
• Do you have (or could you acquire) the skills and personal characteristics necessary for this job?
• How do you feel about the duties described in relation to the kinds of activities you presently enjoy?
• What else do you still want to know? Utilize your mentor’s network to connect with others from whom you can continue to learn.