Career Planning Roadmap

This roadmap is designed to help you make career decisions at every stage of your UC Davis journey and beyond. Each section includes links and helpful resources you can use to navigate the road ahead. 

Start Here

• Familiarize yourself with Career Center services and meet with our staff about your career goals and plans.
• Attend workshops to learn how to prepare for an internship, job search or career fair.
• Log in to Handshake, complete your profile and review the events calendar.

Research Careers/Self Exploration

• Explore what you can do with your major or degree.
• Enroll in career courses for both undergraduate and graduate students to learn how to make informed career decisions.
• Connect with supportive communities through clubs, identity-based services and mentors.
• Visit California CareerZone or O*NET to explore potential careers, take self-assessments and plan your career options.

Get Materials Ready

• Develop your resume and cover letters and have them reviewed by Career Center staff.
• Log in to Handshake and complete your profile. 
• Create a LinkedIn account to further your network and apply for jobs and internships.
• Invest in appropriate business attire for interviewing.
• Compile a reference list of 3-5 professional or academic contacts.
• Research graduate or professional schools and request letters of recommendation from faculty if appropriate.
• For international students, visit Services for International Students and Scholars for information about work authorization.

Search and Apply

• Use Handshake to look for jobs, submit resumes and cover letters and schedule interviews with employers.
• Attend a Career Fair to find a job and network with employers.
• Connect with employers through information sessions, on-campus interviews and other networking events.
• Research potential employers who are inclusive of your needs and identities.
• Prepare for common interview questions and formats.
• Make an appointment with a Career Center advisor to discuss job search strategy.

Network and Gain Experience

• Conduct informational interviews or job shadowing to learn directly from professionals in your field and to practice your networking skills.
• Find and complete an internship or research experience.
• Document your internships through transcript notation and/or academic credit.
• Work at a part-time job to practice transferable skills and build a professional network.
• Build skills outside of the classroom by volunteering or completing a service learning project.
• Continue to strengthen communication and leadership roles through student organizations and other activities.
• Study abroad or find an international internship.
• Become a member of the Student Alumni Association to continue building your network.