Bruins, please learn how to network…
Many students here are 1st gen and don’t have the exposure or habit of networking—but this is extremely important for career development.
Internships & jobs are not handed to anyone on a silver platter. You have to put in the work to reach out to people & alumni, connect with them by building a relationship, ask for advice, then later on ask or if they offer a referral. Then there is the part of maintaining relationships, which you can do by giving updates on your milestone & etc.
UCLA ONE / ALUMNI (school’s mentorship and alumni website)
LINKEDIN (message Alumni based on company you want to apply to, introduce yourself as a Bruin, tell them your interest, ask if they have some time to talk and give advice) *doesn’t have to be alumni—both Bruins and even a Trojan has helped me lol
Ask professors/club members/ school admin
Pay attention to club/school networking events
PSA: networking ONLY works if you are engaging AND contributing, AND maintaining connections. It is give and take. Thus, if someone has helped you, please do the same and give back to the Bruin community. Be the change you want to see.