Seize Your Superpower
As a transfer student, you bring a source of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to your career development journey at UCSB. When you first arrive, develop an achievable timeline for yourself; as you acclimate to your new environment and the fast-paced quarter system, take advantage of campus resources available to help you accomplish the goals you strive to achieve.
While your time as a transfer student may be short but sweet, thinking about your academic and career possibilities throughout your studies will support your integration into life at UCSB. From internships, to graduate school planning, to working on-campus, to achieving your post-graduation goals, we encourage you to engage early and often with Career Services. Read on to learn more.
Key Campus Resources @ UCSB
Discover Options: Transfer Students
For complete information on assessing yourself, choosing majors, and exploring careers, review our starter tips to Discover Options in all careers as well as the specialized tips on this page.
First-Year Transfer Students
Congratulations on becoming a UCSB student! It took hard work and dedication to get here. Now that you are on campus, it is time to further explore your career interests. Whether you were already considering a career path at your community college, or you are looking to discover more options now, Career Services is excited to support you. We recognize that the transition may be stressful, and two years may not seem like enough time to consider all of your options, however, UCSB has many resources for transfer students and your unique experiences at this stage.
One of your first steps should be to get in touch with the Transfer Student Center; they have specialized resources and events for you, financial and academic advising, and quiet study spaces.
If you are uncertain about what to pursue after graduation, learn how to Take an Assessment through Career Services to provide you with deeper insight into your interests, personality, strengths, and values. If you have an idea of what you wish to pursue, but are unsure how to approach it, you may want to Make an Appointment with one of our specialized counselors in a variety of fields which may interest you.
Additionally, consider enrolling in Education 118, The Research University and the Transfer Experience. This course introduces UCSB's mission and addresses the economic, social, and personal issues which transfer students face during the transition. Nearly every week, there are guest speakers who present about campus departments, events, and resources available to transfer students. This is a great way to meet other transfer students and make connections with professionals on campus!
Changing Your Major
Did you know that students change their major an average of three times during college? It is a completely natural step in this part of your career. Majors at UCSB often differ from those at community colleges. Additionally, if you are unable to make it into your first-choice major, redirecting your career plans can be challenging.
Instead of thinking you need to pick the right major, think about picking the best major for you! In most instances, your major does not have to be directly related to your career. Thus choosing a major which interests you can not only improve your GPA and quality of time at UCSB, but it can also lead you to unique opportunities, all of which will enhance your career.
If there are specific majors which you are considering, it is beneficial to schedule meetings with the undergraduate advisers of those departments. Additionally, check in with a College of Letters and Sciences academic advisor or a Transfer Student Center advisor to ensure that this is a viable option to pursue based on the number of units you transferred to UCSB with, and the amount of time in which you plan to complete your degree. If you are considering double-majoring or adding a minor, discuss what your options include, and whether this will extend your graduation to a later date.
Learn More
To start determining which majors are best for you, consider taking the FOCUS® 2 assessment. This assessment can help you gauge which UCSB majors and minors align with your interests and goals. Read our Majors and Beyond page for more information about majors.
Second and Third-Year Transfer Students
Are you in your final year at UCSB and still deciding what to pursue after graduation? This is very normal and completely common.
Here are a few useful questions to ask yourself:
- What concerns or fears do you currently have about graduating from UCSB?
- What is the ideal career you would like to have after graduation?
- Do you feel qualified and competitive to apply for this type of position at this time?
- Which options do you wish to explore?
- What back-up options are you considering?
While assessing your values with these questions, make sure that the careers, positions, and employers that you pursue align. It is also helpful to work backwards. If there is one company or position that interests you, look at the qualifications within the job description and utilize your time at UCSB to build those skills and experiences. Do not worry if you cannot land the position immediately after graduating; this gives you additional time and opportunities during which you can hone in on your skills and interests. Request an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your potential career goals and create a plan on how to begin reaching your goals!
