Opportunities for Junior Students
You are over the “hump” and it is time to prepare for life after UCSB. Whether you arrived to UCSB as a Frosh or just recently as a transfer student, it is time to think of post graduation plans. The sooner you start, the less you will have to do your senior year. Now is a great time to sit down with an advisor (your EOP Counselor will volunteer to help.) Your advisor can help you plan out your last few years at UCSB, explore your future plans and map out a strategy to get there. To help get you started on your career path, here are some ideas and procedures to assess your progress.
- Up and Coming Fairs: Career Services currently hosts eight fairs
during the school year, for everything from On-Campus job opportunities to
traveling and interning abroad, Graduate and Professional Schools, and four
large career fairs. For a listing of other fairs offered by Career Services,
visit http://career.ucsb.edu/students/careerfairs/index.html.
- Academic Progress: For College of Letters & Science students, complete a Junior Progress Report at the College office - 1117 Cheadle Hall. This evaluation will let you know of your progress in meeting University Academic Requirements. Bring a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Major Progress: Meet with the undergraduate advisor of your major to confirm that you are making satisfactory progress. Ask what students do in that major after graduation.
- Faculty: Networking with faculty takes your education to a new level. It is also critical for letters of reference for the job market or graduate school admission. Take repeated classes with the same professor, consider enrolling in seminars which have smaller class enrollment or participate in faculty research.
- Research: Visit the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities office (2105 North Hall.) Graduate schools and employers look favorably on students who participate in extracurricular activities. www.ltsc.ucsb.edu/urca/index.php
- Prepare for the Next Step: Career Services’ Career Counselors can advise you on all aspects of career selection and on preparation for the job market or graduate/professional school admission. Career Services is also a great place to explore internships that can give you hands-on experience and knowledge that can strengthen your resume or admission applications. Be sure to visit http://career.ucsb.edu/ and complete the registration process for GauchoLink, UCSB's Employment Connection, for access to UCSB's Internship database and for email updates on events and opportunities related to your career interests.
- Graduate Studies at UCSB: The UCSB Graduate Division provides graduate school information and support to prospective and current graduate students. Their workshops such as Preparing for Graduate School Admission or Financing a Graduate Education are relevant to students applying to programs outside of UCSB. Located at 3117 Cheadle Hall, students can drop-in or make appointments with Graduate Outreach and Admissions staff to explore undergraduate research programs, teaching credentials, master's and Ph.D. degrees, and funding opportunities. www.graddiv.ucsb.edu
- Study Abroad: Visit the Education Abroad Program at 2431 South Hall. The world is waiting for you! www.eap.ucsb.edu
- Student organizations: Being a leader in your high school or community college is what helped you in your admission to UCSB. Continue to be active in issues, causes or groups that are of interest to you. Visit the Office of Student Life webpage for a listing of UCSB registered student organizations. www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl. Look under UCSB Student Organizations. Another option is to be active in Associated Students through student government or volunteerism. www.sa.ucsb.edu
- Honors Programs: Visit your College and ask about honors programs and/or honor societies. The advantages of participation may include early registration, access to computer labs, smaller courses with greater faculty access and of course more depth to your studies.