WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY MAJOR?
EIGHT COMPETENCIES FOR A CAREER READY WORKFORCE
Ask yourself: Which competencies are your strongest? Which would you like to improve?
1
CAREER & SELF DEVELOPMENT
Proactively develop career through:
2
COMMUNICATION
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons in and outside organization
3
CRITICAL THINKING
Identify and respond to needs based upon understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information
4
EQUITY & INCLUSION
5
LEADERSHIP
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals
6
PROFESSIONALISM
7
TEAMWORK
8
TECHNOLOGY
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals
EXPLORE
What career path would combine your skills and your interests? Explore your options with these Career Center resources! Activate your Handshake account to use these tools.
FOCUS 2
Free assessment tool on Handshake to match your skills and interests to career options.
VAULT
Find out what it's really like to work in a specific industry or profession. Access through Handshake.
NETWORKING
Find UCLA alumni and networking events on UCLA ONE and start connecting today!
BUILD & EDIT YOUR RESUME
Use VMOCK, a 24/7 smart resume tool, to build your resume and get detailed feedback.
GOING GLOBAL
Search for jobs and internships abroad!
MICRO-INTERNSHIPS
Find paid micro-internship opportunities for all majors and class levels on Parker Dewey.
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Watch "Before you Apply: Is Grad School Right for You?" Explore areas like health or law.
CAREER ADVISING
Discuss your interests and create a personalized career plan! Make an appointment through Handshake.
WHERE DO OUR GRADUATES WORK?
Accountant Communication and Administration Analyst Development Director Financial Services and Insurance Manager Financial Analyst Human Resources Associate Project Manager Realtor Senior Coordinator for International Promotions Strategy Consultant Trade and Investment Manager
Bilingual Quality, Training, and Compliance Specialist College Counselor Diversity Programs Coordinator Elementary/Middle School/High School Teacher Inclusion Specialist Independent Research Consultant Professor of Anthropology and African & Latin American Studies Research Librarian for Humanities and Literature
Attorney Community and Government Relations Operations Manager Foreign Service Officer Intellectual Property Associate Legal Assistant Presidential Staff Officer Veteran Service Representative Visa Specialist
Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst Front-End Web Developer IT Specialist Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Telehealth Project Coordinator
Creative Director/Copywriter Life Coach and Podcast Host Marketing Specialist Museum Professional, Researcher, and Community Organizer Public Relations Screenwriter Special Events Manager Videographer and Editor
An internship is a great opportunity to explore a career while gaining valuable work experience. Internships allow students to be immersed in a professional environment and connect with people in the particular field. What are you interested in?
Types of Internships:
Internships come in all varieties. Think about what you would like to gain from an internship and what is feasible based on living expenses and personal situations. Every internship has something to offer if you are wiling to put forth the effort.
Internship Programs:
Students can also choose to do an internship through an established program. Some examples of these are:
UC Sacramento Internship Program
UCDC (CAPPP) Internship Program
UC Davis Internships Abroad
UCEAP Internships Abroad
How to Secure an Internship:
The process for obtaining an internship is very similar to the process of landing your first job. This cycle of resumes, cover letters, interviews, rejection, and success will help you post-graduation. Check out our Internship Process Handout or watch our workshop recording on How to Find an Internship to get some tips. Handshake is also a great resource. Keep applying!
List of Internships:
Browse our Internship Database for a full list of internships related to international studies - such as governmental, health, development, economic, and human rights organizations.
Internship Academic Credit
International and Area Studies 195CE (I A STD 195CE) allows students to receive 4 units of academic credit for an internship. I A STD 195CE is offered through the Center of Community Learning every Spring and Summer. The internship should take place off-campus and may be paid or unpaid. It is expected that interns will contribute roughly 8-10 hours each week to their internship. To make sure your internship is eligible for internship credit, visit the Center for Community Engagement page.
Credit for Major/Minor
Students may petition to apply I A STD 195CE towards their major or minor. Please submit your petition through the Petition Form for your major/minor under "Current Students." Please consult with your major/minor counselor for information on which requirement this course may fulfill.
Global Studies Students can also use I A STD 195CE to fulfill their Senior Capstone. More information can be found here.
Enrollment
In Summer, I A STD 195CE is only offered during Session A, and is a 10-week course. Internships must overlap with a minimum of 8 weeks out of the 10 week session to be eligible for credit. 195CE courses are NOT offered during Summer Session C. To enroll in the course for Spring or Summer, students must secure an internship and schedule an intake appointment at the Center for Community Learning.
Internship Funding
Kramer & Siebert International Internship Scholarships:
Multiple scholarships of at least $1,000 will be awarded to students who have secured internships during Spring or Summer. Students demonstrating financial need, who are participating in internships abroad, who are advancing their understanding of international issues and/or financial literacy are especially encouraged to apply. Eligibility, additional information, and application available HERE.
International Students
In order to accept an internship, International Students must earn academic credit by enrolling in a course like I A STD 195CE. The internship needs to be related to your major or minor. For any questions about employment and choosing internships related to your studies, please contact the Dashew Center.
ACADEMIC COUNSELING
For 2024-2025 we will be offering virtual and in-person advising support.
Please Note: During Oct - Nov 24 we will be having limited appointments. We encourage you to read our FAQs and program websites. If you still have questions or concerns, you may contact us at undergrads@international.ucla.edu (please include your name & UID).
We strive to provide holistic and comprehensive support to our students through one-on-one advising, workshops, and events that focus on academic and professional planning, exploration of research, internship opportunities, and experiences abroad.
Yumi Kinoshita
Academic Advisor
Undergraduate Counselor
Karina Barrera
Undergraduate Advisor
We can assist you with:
Contact Us
Please include your name and UID in all emails.
Email us if you need accommodations for same day or outside office hours appointments.
✉ Undergraduate Advising: undergrads@international.ucla.edu
✉ Graduate Advising: idpgrads@international.ucla.edu
Current UCLA undergraduate students can make an advising appointment with Karina at Academic Counseling - Barrera, Karina.
If you're not a UCLA student, please e-mail us at the corresponding email as noted above.
Bunche Hall 10256 & 10254 (10th floor)
Mailing Address: Academic Advisor UCLA International Institute Academic Programs Office of Academic Advising 10256 Bunche Hall, Mail Code 148703 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1487
**To be featured in our weekly bulletin, please use our online request form.
For other questions or concerns, please review the following information:
Refer to your main Counseling Unit for questions about GE/IGETC Requirements, Course Add/Drop Petitions, Degree Plan Contracts, College-specific requirements, Holds, Grad Checks, Academic Probation status, Readmission, etc.
Questions about registration, fees, classes, etc.
Economic & Technological Resources
General Information from UCLA