Alumni Career Network

This high-impact, panel driven session discussed the intersection of culture and career. Panelists discussed how one’s culture comes into play in the workplace and how workplace culture impacts productivity, mobility, and success. This video will help you learn how to examine company culture beyond the mission statement, identifying whether a company is a ‘fit’, and being your authentic self in the workplace.

Featuring

• Moderator: Aaron E. de Santiago-Jones (UC Santa Barbara ’94, ’03, ’14, ’19), Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at UC Santa Barbara
• Jane Castillón (UC Irvine), Disability Specialist, Disabled Students Program, UC Santa Barbara
• Jessica Chen (UC San Diego ’10), Founder & CEO, Soulcast Media
• Kelly Fong Rivas (UC Santa Cruz ‘07), Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor Darrell Steinberg, City of Sacramento

Originally recorded May 8, 2019

This session will help you learn how to effectively work a room and develop a compelling ‘elevator pitch’ to wow employers. Viewers will gain an understanding of the strategies, tactics, tools and techniques necessary to optimize their time and investment in preparing for and attending the Hire UC Alumni Career Fair. Tim provides insights into how you can develop a brief yet compelling “elevator pitch” in response to the ever popular, “Tell Me About Yourself” (TMAY) question. This webinar discusses crafting a strategy for engaging with and establishing a strong connection with other participants and company representatives.  

Featuring

Tim Johnston, UC Berkeley alumnus, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of WayFinders Careers LLC.

Originally recorded April 18, 2019

This webinar will help you gain clarity on what you want from the next phase of your career by distilling your core strengths and competencies.  Viewers will gain further insight into what target employers expect to see in your resume and how best to showcase your experience in your resume to put your best foot forward.  This webinar was brought to you by the UC Office of the President in collaboration with all ten UC alumni associations.  

Featuring

Merideth Mehlberg, UC alumna and Executive Coach & Career Strategist

Originally recorded April 16, 2019

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

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

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 

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

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

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