Tips for Gaining Professional Experience as an Undergrad
Networking and gaining career experience while in college will set you up for success as you graduate and enter the workforce. Easier said than done, right? In order to help, I have compiled a small list of tips to help get you started, as well as some internship opportunities available on campus!
Tips:
Focus on your career
What career are you trying to pursue? Make a list of jobs that might interest you, and use that to help narrow down your search! Search up the paths and requirements needed to be in that field as well!
Network
You probably already have a great support system around you. Ask the people around you if they know of any opportunities! The UCI Division of Career Pathways is a place you can count on for help when you don't know where to look!
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to get started! This will help you decide if you enjoy the career you are pursuing and can also open many doors! Through volunteering, you will expand your network!
Internships:
1. DREAM Project Fellowship
One of the few internships that is available to undocument students is the DREAM Project Fellowship. Organized by the DREAM Center, this opportunity provides academic and experiential learning in a career that is of interest to participants. Students are paired with a mentor from a department at UCI, and assist with projects on campus. This allows students to gain professional skills and create networking opportunities, as well as build a community with other undocmuented students on campus. Students also receive financial compensation each quarter, which can help cover any necessary expenses.
Qualifications:
Must be non-U.S. citizen & AB 540 eligible
Open to undocumented students who don’t have
work authorizationUCI enrolled undergraduate & graduate students
To learn more visit https://dream.uci.edu/dpf/.
2. Administrative Intern Program
The Administrative Intern Program is open to all UCI students! Those who are admitted are paired with a UCI mentor who is in a career that correlates with their field of study. Students work 6 to 8 hours a week with that campus department, and thus enhance their leadership and professional skills. Students also enroll in a three quarter course, which is 12 units P/NP, in which they develop interview skills and explore self identity! Some of the departments students can work with include UCI Care, Cross Cultural Center, FRESH Basic Needs Hub, UCI Student Housing, and more!
If you are interested and want to learn more visit https://adminintern.studentlife.uci.edu.
3. UCDC Summer Internship Program
The UCDC Summer Internship Program sends students to Washington D.C for 10 weeks over summer to intern! Students of any major can apply and directly work with staff on applications, and interviews to secure an internship in D.C. This program is paid out of pocket by those who participate, but students can also work while in D.C to help cover costs!
The recruiting process for this internship begins in Fall quarter, to learn more visit https://career.uci.edu/ucdc-summer-internship-program/.
