My experience in the UCCS program was extremely fruitful. Between the summer of my sophomore and junior year I participated in this research intensive program while beginning my first internship. I was very nervous to start this program because I knew I would be one of the youngest people in the group and I honestly did not know what to expect.

The first step for me to take was getting an internship. I actually did not land my internship until the second week of the program, which is sort of rare since most of the other students in the program had secured their internships during the previous quarter. I ran around the state capitol with copies of my resume and hoped to get an interview.

This was definitely not an easy process, but I quickly learned the importance of networking and developing what is heavily referred to as “thick skin” in politics. I went through countless interviews after interview until finally I got an offer from a Legislative Assemblyman named Tom Berryhill. I took this offer because the prospect of getting first hand knowledge of the logistics behind how the California State budget is passed really intrigued me. Also, I wanted to learn about the way state politics works so I figured what better way to accomplish this than by getting into the action on the “battle field” as many like to call it.  

While interning in the capitol, I got the opportunity to do thorough policy analysis on bills in line to be passed. This was a great learning experience for me because things like as such are not taught in any classes you can take at a university. Also, I got the opportunity to see first hand how deals and pacts are made to get advocates for certain measures. This was really interesting to witness because it made the formality of politics much less daunting since I was able to see how informally certain things actually do get done. Getting this “behind-the-scenes” experience has really helped my cohorts from the program and I gain an edge on our fellow colleagues.    

I made friends with other interns and began to thrive in this politically-driven climate. I had never known politics could be so empowering until I began this program. There were a few of my cohorts from the UCCS program working in the capitol as well so the convenience of having more familiar faces was beneficial because of the networking opportunities that developed between my agency and their agencies.   I felt extremely lucky to have been able to grow in and learn through such an amazing program. The reputation held by the UCCS program at the state capitol is phenomenal and anyone interested in a political career should definitely consider applying to this program.

Aside from the priceless experience, I was able to gain unique confidence I doubt I would have gotten from any other internship—especially for being my first internship. I highly recommend anyone at least slightly interested in this program apply to the UCCS program or the UCDC program.

So what is involved when trying to decide whether or not to declare Sociology as a Major (or a Minor)? I know that for me the decision was easy because I wanted to learn more about social activism and ways that others have dealt with injustices. After taking Soc 1 in the fall Quarter of my freshman year I definitely knew I was going to be a Soc major. The empowerment I gained from this class and all other Soc classes I have taken at UCSB really solidified my decision to declare Sociology as my major.             

Personally, I never thought I would find a major that deals with issues I think about daily. Understanding the course work just came naturally to me because type of issues that are taught in Sociology classes deal with issues I have felt passionate about my entire life. I feel this comfort level is definitely one of the main factors that frequently keeps me interested in pursuing a degree in the field of Sociology.                        

On a different note, I had some issues when trying to convince my parents that this would be a suitable major for me to grow in. Their concerns mainly dealt with the job outlook for this field. For them, they only saw me being able to be a professor or do research work if I majored in Sociology. I informed them; however; that there are way more options available for careers than becoming a professor—especially since I am planning on doing graduate school after my time here at UCSB.           

Sure there are setbacks to this major...just like there are to all majors....such as trying to figure out what the heck I am going to do with a B.A. in Sociology after college since the major is so broad. However, the thing I have found helpful about this "broadness" is the fact that having such a wide-ranged foundation can play into one's own advantage when applying to graduate school because there are many programs that Sociology majors can qualify to study in such as: public policy, non-profit management, social worker, etc.          

One important thing to note about the Sociology Department is that it makes up a very small and tight-nit community. This has been extremely helpful for me because of the fact that I have been able to get to know the professors and advisors on an intimate level. This is definitely rare to find in other departments on our campus. This also allows for awesome accessibility to great resources, such as research opportunities within the field.                

All in all I've truly enjoyed my undergraduate experience thus far as Sociology major. The professors and advisors in the Sociology Department are extremely friendly and helpful when it comes to picking classes, finding research opportunities, and landing great internships. I highly recommend that any one interested in declaring this major come into the Career Services (a.k.a. the Pink Building next to H.S.S.B.) to explore all of the different options available to Soc majors.