Congratulations, and welcome to UCLA. It wasn’t easy
getting here, but as a first-year UCLA student you’re on your
way to expanding your knowledge and focusing on experiences that
will help you build a rewarding career.
As you select your course of study, keep in mind its
relationship to developing a rewarding, enjoyable career. Of course
you’re out there meeting new friends, learning the lay of the
land on campus and in Westwood Village, but the main reason
you’re here is to get an education that can launch you toward
a valuable career, right?
That’s where we step in. The Career Center staff and
services are here from the moment you arrive on campus until the
day you graduate ““ and then some.
Seems too soon to check us out now? Trust us ““ it’s
never too early to start taking advantage of our services.
When you are online, visit us at career.ucla.edu. You’ll
soon realize we can even help you during fall 2004. For instance,
did you know that you can apply today for an internship or a
part-time job? All you have to do is set up a profile in BruinView
at our Web site, then log in as often as you like to find
opportunities.
Here are a few more suggestions for your first-year
activities:
The next time you’re near Bruin Plaza, stop by the Career
Center. Check out drop-in counseling for personalized guidance on
what types of careers for which you are most suited.
Tour our career lab and ask the librarians to show you
publications about the careers in which you’re interested.
(We have over 3,000 books, periodicals, videos, directories and
other materials.)
If you’re planning on going to graduate school,
you’ll find dozens of resources with information to get you
started.
Pick up the fall workshop schedule near the center’s
entrance and see what types of workshops you can attend in the
coming weeks.
You also can get our free, widely acclaimed Career Guide. It
includes a wealth of valuable tips, including the four-year plan
that offers specific steps you should be taking for this year and
each one that follows.
How about information on internships in Washington, D.C., New
York, Sacramento or San Francisco? The possibilities are amazing,
but you need to start planning now if you want to apply for certain
internships for summer 2005.
Ever thought about international internships or study abroad?
Our internship and study abroad service houses many program
offerings and holds periodic information sessions during the fall
quarter.
Remember, as you begin your college education, it’s
perfectly OK not to know what you want to do later in life. Take
time now to learn as much as you can about your skills,
personality, lifestyle preferences, interests and values.
And, all along your UCLA journey, let the Career Center staff
guide you ““ from your first year through your last. Routinely
using our online and in-person services can make a huge difference
in how effectively you chart your career. Our mission is to help
you make intelligent, informed decisions as you travel through the
next four years.
Don’t neglect to take advantage of all the dynamic
resources designed to support your career-planning efforts. Good
luck.
Oh is the manager for marketing, publications and media
relations at the UCLA Career Center.