What is a typical
day for you at Career Services?
I spend ten hours
each week working at Career Services. My duties
include advising students
in the CRR during drop-in hours, and seeing
students for individual appointments as well.
Among other
things, I can assist students with getting
to know themselves and what is out there so that
they can identify majors and careers that they
will find fulfilling. I can also help students
develop the skills they will need during the
job search process, such as writing resumes,
writing cover letters, interviewing, and more.
I also facilitate workshops and presentations
and perform career assessment interpretations
such as the Strong Interest Inventory and the
Myers Briggs Type Indicator.
What other career/jobs have you had?
Most of
my work experience over the years has come from
unpaid internship and volunteer opportunities.
My first paid job was working as an administrative
assistant for a property management company
in
Isla Vista. I also worked as an aide to children
with autism, providing behavioral interventions
in home and summer camp settings. My favorite
job was working as an art instructor at a local
summer camp. During the school year, I get
paid to work as a research assistant and a TA
within
the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and
School Psychology.
What makes your current career at UCSB special
for you?
Right now, I’m a graduate student working
towards a PhD in Counseling Psychology. But not
too long ago, I was an undergrad at UCSB. I knew
that I wanted to be a therapist, but I was at
a loss about what path I should take to get there.
I spent a lot of time taking advantage of Career
Services and other resources available on campus,
and it really helped me gain clarity and a sense
of direction. Now, I get the opportunity to help
students who are in need of similar guidance.
I really feel connected to the struggle to find
yourself and make career decisions as an undergraduate.
I’m so glad that I get to give back at
the institution that has given me so much.
When you are not on campus, what do you like
to do?
I enjoy taking advantage of the variety
of classes offered by the Leisure Review. I
especially
get
a kick out of hoop dancing, spinning, and Afro-Brazilian
dance. I love entertaining guests, and you’ll
often find me hosting small gatherings for my
close friends. I’m also not afraid to admit
that I enjoy the occasional game of Dungeons & Dragons!
