College is an exciting time where you can explore your interests, identity, values, passions, and skills. It is
completely okay to come onto campus having no idea what you want to do; that is what college is for! During
your first year, I would say be open and ready to explore different classes, majors, and careers with your
career counselor. The first year is more about exploration- join new clubs, get involved on campus, volunteer,
find an on campus job. Once you have explored different areas of interests, identified activities and
environments you enjoy, you can begin to put that information together and identify possible career interests.
If you are still a bit lost and need more direction, take some free assessments to reflect on your interests, skills,
abilities and personality. You can take assessments at: www.cacareerzone.org, www.mynextmove.org
If you already know what you want to do, you can use www.onetonline.org to explore what it takes to get into
the career you want! What are possible majors to choose, how you can get involved in college, what types of
internships to land, and get a better understanding of what a person in that position actually does. You can
also engage in informational interviews with professionals in the field for further exploration and to begin
building your professional networks. You can find information about the informational interview at:
http://campusapps2.fullerton.edu/Career/students/jobSearch/Chapter7/InformationalInterview.aspx
Basically, take your time to explore who you are first- what are your values, interests, skills, and abilities? Get
a better understanding of who you are and share that with your career counselor. We can begin utilizing that
information to identify possible career or environments that will be aligned with your values, interests, and
abilities and help you create a plan to achieve your career goals.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?
I have a passion for creating experiences and designing environments. I also
find it very easy to both envision an event and break it down easily in my
mind in order to produce it. Since these challenges thrill me rather than
overwhelm, I look forward to the opportunities to meet new clients, getting to
know them, and then seeking to understand their marketing or incentive
challenges. Getting to do this for a company of great bandwidth and multigenerational experience, makes the “sell” to clients so much easier and
gives me great confidence.
Chris Clark, Senior Account Executive, Extraordinary Events
The thing I enjoy most about my job is that I am able to have new
international experiences every day. I interact with companies throughout
the Los Angeles area that are seeking opportunities to expand their business
abroad. Through this interaction, I am exposed to different cultures and
learn how business is done around the world. As a federal government
employee, this type of job lets you see first-hand the important role that
government can play for private sector companies.
Terri Batch, Sr. International Trade Specialist, US Department of Commerce
What I like most about my profession is that I get to make a significant
difference in my clients’ lives. The media is full of biased misinformation
about investing. Being able to sit down with a client and set them on the
right course is a gratifying experience. It’s GREAT to be FarFromWallStreet!
Michael McCall, Owner, Investment Counsel
Job Spotlight
Forensic Science Technicians
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze
physical evidence related to criminal
investigations. Perform tests on
weapons or substances, such as fiber,
hair, and tissue to determine
significance to investigation. May testify
as expert witnesses on evidence or
crime laboratory techniques. May serve
as specialists in area of expertise, such
as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting,
or biochemistry.
Business Intelligence Analysts
Produce financial and market
intelligence by querying data
repositories and generating periodic
reports. Devise methods for identifying
data patterns and trends in available
information sources.
More information on these jobs and tons of
others can be found at O*NET Online
(www.onetonline.org/).
WHAT ARE SOME SKILLS AND OR TRAITS
THAT ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR JOB?
The most important skills are listening and a very strong moral compass.
Michael McCall, Owner, Investment Counsel
The most important skills to have when working with youth is the ability to
listen and be responsive to people's feelings. Many times, students will tell
me things that they've never told anyone else and I have to learn when it's
my job just to listen and support them vs a time to actually step in and
change things. It's all about support in my job and of course paying it
forward. I enjoy the fact that my students inspire me on daily basis that it
makes me want to go out and pass on that inspiration to others.
Andrea Cova, Alumni Program Director, Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)
To be successful in this type of job, one must be able to learn quickly and
communicate effectively. Keeping up with trends in international trade, US
relationships with other countries, and business practices require you to be
a lifelong learner. It is important to stay abreast of issues and have the
ability to communicate effectively to private sector companies. Without
these skills, it is difficult to add value to companies and we lose credibility
with our clients.
Terri Batch, Sr. International Trade Specialist, US Department of Commerce
The most important traits needed to perform well on the job concern
problem solving. The most valued employees are the people who can
create solutions to problems that makes the business more profitable and
communicate those answers. Problem solving requires expertise, which
requires knowing the history and current state of the product and market at
hand, comprehensive knowledge of the product, an interest in making the
product better and having a vision for how the product needs to develop in
the future. Expertise requires looking for ways to see the world and see
one's customers in a complete and ever evolving way. Expertise requires
knowledge. New ways of doings things must be created or there would not
be a need for your position. Problem solving requires creativity. Perhaps
the most important aspect of problem solving is communication. Master the
English language. Learn grammar, spelling and punctuation. Learn how to
reach people and inspire them with language.
Problem solving requires working with others. Accept your own strengths
and limitations and ask for help when needed, and accept the strengths and
limitations of those with whom you work. If you ask for help when needed
you will be trusted. If you help others become successful you will be
valued. Allow others to be heard, allow others to contribute, and put the
success of the product ahead of one's personal ambitions. If the company
does well everyone will benefit.
LaFern Cusack, Producer/Host, ESPNLA 710AM/Radio Disney AM1110
Apple
Google
Berkshire Hathaway
Southwest Airlines
Procter & Gamble
Coca-Cola
Amazon.com
FedEx
Microsoft
McDonald’s
For the full list of the 50 “World’s Most
Admired Companies” visit:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/
mostadmired/2011/index.html
Career information can be
found at ARCHcareers.com
MTV offers college students online
gaming internships in two California
locations (San Francisco/Glendale).
For information on the Nickelodeon
Games Group and other types of
MTV internships you can visit:
www.mtvnetworkscareers.com/internships/
Golden Bears Akido Club
The purpose of Golden Bears Aikido Club is to
provide Cal community with self-defense and
conflict resolution skills through Aikido training.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?
As a Diversity & Inclusion business consultant I am responsible for creating solutions and strategies. I partner with the
business to impact the workplace, marketplace, and community by applying a cultural lens to the way we do
business. Through increased awareness the business makes decisions that are inclusive, which helps Highmark
become the Insurer of Choice, Employer of Choice, and Community Partner of Choice for ALL. I enjoy connecting the
dots within the business- taking something generic and applying a diverse perspective. I believe the work that I do
creates an awareness that allows our employees to leverage their diversity as strengths and to serve our customers
by recognizing their unique needs and preferences. It’s a win-win for all when we approach business opportunities or
challenges with all in mind. Jessica Brooks, Diversity & Inclusion Business Consultant, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Ron Roberts, Jr. – Career & College Satisfaction Specialist
Ron is a former college career advisor. He has also recruited college students for internships and jobs in accounting. He is
passionate about helping high school and college students find satisfying careers, and create satisfying college experiences.