Alumni Career Network

The UC Alumni Career Network is a high-impact, online series designed to provide UC alumni and community members with the insights, information, and connections to launch, grow and expand your career opportunities.

Get involved

This volunteer-driven career education series is made possible by generous UC alumni like you. We invite you to participate in a future event or share your suggestions for future topics.

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Careers with the University of California

Learn the hiring process, what it’s like to work at UC, and how you can put your best foot forward as a candidate.

Did you know that the University of California is the top employer of UC graduates? Whether in the classroom, out in the field, in the lab, or behind a desk, UC offers a wide variety of career opportunities. This recording offers advice on the hiring process, what it’s like to work at UC, and how you can put your best foot forward as a candidate. Panelists shared their expertise on the hiring processes for a variety of roles. 

Featuring
  • Moderator: Yvette Gullatt, UC Berkeley alumna, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost for Diversity and Engagement for the University of California system
  • David Odato, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at UCSF and the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for UCSF Health
  • Gwynn Benner, a UCLA alumna who currently serves as the Assistant Vice Provost of Student Success and the Co-Director of the First-Generation Initiative at UC Santa Cruz
  • Donna Salvo, the Executive Director of Systemwide Talent Management for the University of California

Originally recorded Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Unique ways to use your Humanities degree

Alumni share advice on how to market and position your undergraduate or graduate degree.

Learn how to market and position your undergraduate or graduate degree by gaining insights and advice from UC alumni who’ve found career success as a result of their liberal arts education.  This session provides tangible insights and advice relevant for current students and alumni of all career levels and backgrounds!

Featuring
  • Moderator: Erin Gruwell (English, UC Irvine ‘91), Founder and Executive Director, Freedom Writers Foundation
  • Carly Chittim (American Studies and English, UC Santa Barbara ‘11), University Recruiter for Business and Marketing Internships, Facebook
  • Carol Kim (English, UC Los Angeles ‘98), Director of Community Engagement, San Diego County Building Trades Council
  • Arya Zarrinkelk (Communication Studies and English, UC Davis ‘05), Employment & Training Specialist III (Arts, Media + Entertainment), City College of San Francisco

Originally recorded March 5, 2019

Flex jobs, remote work and the gig economy

Learn more about flex jobs, working remotely and career opportunities tied to the gig economy.

What is the gig economy? Is it really possible to work from home and have a fruitful career? Learn more about flex jobs, working remotely and career opportunities tied to the gig economy along with how to secure your spot during this in-depth, interview-style session. 

Featuring

Sara Sutton (UC Berkeley ‘01), CEO & Founder of FlexJobs, Remote.co, and 1 Million for Work Flexibility

Originally recorded February 13, 2019 

Navigating the Job Search

UC alumni provide an in-depth look at the hiring process and what happens after you click “submit.”

This e-conversation with UC alumni provides an in-depth look at the hiring process and what happens after you click “submit.”  UC alumni working as professional recruiters and hiring managers provide an insider’s look at the hiring process and provide tangible advice to help you maximize your job search and land your next great opportunity! This interactive session reviews how companies source talent, the platforms and keywords used to identify candidates and things you should consider before connecting with a recruiter.  

Featuring
  • Moderator: Jorge Ancona (UCLA ‘93), Assistant Vice Chancellor of Alumni & Constituent Relations at UC Riverside
  • Brett Fisher, MBA (UCLA ‘00), the Founder and Managing Director, Brett Fisher Group - Search Consultants
  • Brigitte Kearney (UC Riverside ‘02), Recruiting Manager, Tesla
  • Dorian Mastrogany (UC Davis '10), Manager of Recruitment, Summit Public Schools

Originally recorded January 15, 2019

Parenting + Work

This webinar provides insights, advice and suggestions aimed at supporting working parents as they balance the demands of work, family, and life.

This webinar will provide insights, advice and suggestions aimed at supporting working parents as they balance the demands of work, family, and life. Our panel of fellow UC alumni will share their personal stories and advice on sharing parenting responsibilities, advocating for your needs in the workplace, and strategies for navigating it all.

Moderated by: Cheryl M. Lott (‘01 UCLA, ‘04, JD-UCLA) Shareholder and Deputy General Counsel, Buchalter, APC Alumni Regent, UC Board of Regents

Featuring:

Charla Jeannine Batey (‘07 UC-Irvine)
Senior Communications Specialist, Cox Communications

Mari Corbin Contreras (‘93, MA’95 UC-Davis)
Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Blue Shield of California
Member, Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) Board of Directors

Silva Karageozian (UC-Irvine)
Full time parent and volunteer

Vicken Karageozian, MD (‘91 UC-San Diego)
Co-Founder, President and CEO, Allegro Ophthalmics, LLC

Insider Insights from Career Coaches & Executive Recruiters

UC alumni working as career coaches and executive recruiters share tangible tips to help you advance, expand, and stay relevant in today’s workforce.

Are you jumping back into the workforce? Looking to advance in your current company? Thinking of the right ways to increase your professional brand and connections? This edition of the UC Alumni Career Network featured UC alumni working as career coaches and executive recruiters to share tangible tips to help you advance, expand, and stay relevant in today’s workforce. This session covered topics including revisiting your professional pursuits, identifying challenges and solutions to common career barriers, hiring trends, and steps you can work on to better your skills and brand.

Featuring

Moderator: Kris Hergert, Executive Director of the UC San Diego Career Center

Mike Hirshman (UCSD ’09, UCLA ’15), Executive Search and Engagement Manager at Heidrick & Struggles

Marcy Morrison, Career Coach and Author, (UCSD ’97), Founder of Careers with Wings

Originally recorded: October 18, 2019