Career Services

Career Counseling
Events & Programs
Job & Internship Search Tools
Mentoring & Networking
Resource Library
Diversity & Equity
Life After Luskin

Career Counseling

Appointments

Make a 30- or 45-minute appointment with a Luskin Career Counselor for Public Affairs-specific guidance on your career and internship search, in-person and digital branding (including elevator pitch, resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn), networking, offer negotiation, and other career-related topics. If you are interested in an appointment to discuss your resume, we highly recommend first using UCLA’s VMock prior to your appointment.

VMock will offer preliminary suggestions on your resume so we are able maximize your career counseling appointment to take your resume to the next level.

Please attach your resume to your appointment in CareerHub. If you choose to make an appointment first and email your resume later, please do so no later than 24 hours in advance of your appointment so that we have ample time to provide intentional feedback on your resume.

If you do not send us your resume in advance to your appointment, we will cancel your appointment and ask you to reschedule at a later time.

To sign up for a career counseling appointment with either career counselor, follow the instructions below:

Login to CareerHub.
Click “Appointments” on the left-hand navigation bar.
You are assigned a Career Counselor based on your last name to ensure an equitable caseload.
Select a time block that has your preferred time in it, which works for your schedule.
Click “Book Appointment” and you’ll be prompted to select the appointment type, select the time, and attach any relevant documents (resume/cover letter) directly to the appointment.

Note: Appointment availability is updated on CareerHub one week prior to the beginning of the subsequent academic quarter.

If you want us to conduct a secondary review of your resume or cover letter after your career counseling appointment with us, you are welcome to make a follow-up appointment with us OR you can email us your updated resume or cover letter with the incorporated edits from our first appointment. We will provide our feedback on your updated resume via email within three business days.

UCLA VMock

What is VMock?

VMock is a 24-7 online resume review tool
Leverages data science, machine learning, natural language processing, criteria gathered from employers to provide instant personalized feedback on your resume
The system analyzes three areas – impact, presentation, and soft skills and offers feedback on highlighted areas to help make your resume stronger
Use the SMART Resume Editor to build a resume from scratch, or to edit a resume after receiving feedback. This feature is recommended only for those who are at the beginning stages of resume development

Why use VMock?

Receive an aggregate resume score to assess the strengths of your resume benchmarked against your own UCLA peer group
Improve the overall content of your resume with actionable and targeted bullet-by-bullet feedback

Additional Information on VMock

Focus on the feedback, not the score your resume is given. While the system will help you develop your resume with concrete feedback, the scoring is subjective
Students have 10 opportunities to upload a resume or rescore a resume each academic year
VMock is only able to process PDF files that were created using conventional word processing applications such as Microsoft Word

Events and Programs

UCLA Luskin Career Services offers programs and resources that are tailored to areas of interest within the fields of Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning. Please see below for our upcoming workshops and additional information about the workshops we offer every academic year. If you are interested in more general career services topics (e.g. resume & cover letter workshops, LinkedIn workshops), please see the workshops held by UCLA’s Central Career Center.

Upcoming Luskin Professional Development Events and Workshops*

Visit CareerHub for more information and to RSVP.

April 7, 2023: Supporting Families and Infant Mental Health with Venice Family Clinic

April 25, 2023: Spring Career and Internship Fair

May 4, 2023: Peace Corps Information Session

May 12, 2023: Demystifying Social Work Licensure (Alumni Panel)

*Additional Spring 2023 programming will be updated and open for registration in the coming weeks. We appreciate your patience.*

UCLA Luskin Career Center Workshops Info

Alumni Career Panels (1x/quarter)

We invite Social Work, Urban Planning, and Public Policy alumni to speak with current students about their career trajectories and the processes involved when applying for public and private sector positions.

Career & Internship Fair (2x/year)

Typically held in Fall and Spring quarters, we invite over 50 employers to come discuss their graduate-level internships and opportunities post graduation exclusively with UCLA Luskin graduate students.

Career & Internship Search and Career Fair Preparation (2x/year)

These workshops shed light on best practices to search for an internship and to navigate our upcoming career fairs.

Career Planning and Management Course: M297F (1x/year)

A 2-unit graduate level course that covers professional branding, job search strategies, networking, and interviewing all with a public affairs lens and is typically offered in fall quarter.

City Hall Day

Each year, a City Hall legislator hosts UCLA Luskin graduate students to study an urban social policy issue important to his/her constituents. The purpose of this event, co-sponsored by UCLA’s Office of Local Government Relations, is to promote careers in politics and public service as well as to engage UCLA with local government.

Conference of Mayors

Recipients of the Bohnett Fellowship are invited to participate in the annual United States Conference of Mayors’ Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.

DEI in Career Development workshops (1x/quarter)

We partner with D3 initiative to offer culturally responsive career development workshops. (e.g. salary negotiations as a woman of color, navigating the workplace as a first generation professional, etc.)

Employer Information Sessions (4x/year)

Organizations and agencies that are of interest to our graduate students are invited to campus to talk about internship and career opportunities.

LinkedIn Headshots (1x/year)

We host a professional photographer to take our graduate students’ photos to use for their LinkedIn profiles and for graduate student research presenters to use at professional conferences, symposia, etc.

Professional Development Certifications, Societies and Pipelining Programs (1x/quarter)

Student learn about opportunities for post graduate fellowships and certifications.

Senior Fellows Brunch (1x/year)

The kick-off to the Senior Fellows mentoring program- the premiere mentoring program connecting UCLA Luskin graduate students to executive-level professionals in the public affairs field. This occurs in Fall Quarter.

Summer Career Bootcamp (1x/year)

Graduating students are invited to a two day event during the summer to jump start their job search. Topics covered include: Job search, Networking, Interviewing, and Offer Negotiation.

Yearlong & Summer Fellowship Information Sessions (2x/year)

Students will learn about yearlong fellowship opportunities (Bohnett Fellowships & Office of Child Protection) summer internship and fellowship funding opportunities, including the Michael S. Dukakis Internship, Public Service Fellowship, Liberty Hill Foundation Fellowship, Climate Resolve Internship, and the US Conference of Mayors Fellowship.

UCLA Central Career Center Events & Programs

UCLA Central Career Center Events

Luskin Graduate Students may also attend events from UCLA’s Central Career Center. These tend to cover generalist topics from resume/cover letter to interview strategies; salary negotiations to “how to best use your first 90 days on the job.” To view their upcoming events and to register please visit: https://career.ucla.edu/events

Additional UCLA Luskin events and programs

To view other events hosted by other UCLA Luskin departments that may be of interest, please visit: https://luskin.ucla.edu/events

Job and Internship Search

Luskin CareerHub

CareerHub is Luskin’s career management system. You will find internship and job opportunities specifically for Public Affairs graduate students. You can also register for workshops and programs in CareerHub.

UCLA Handshake

Handshake is UCLA’s campus-wide platform that connects Bruins with internships, jobs and career opportunities. Use Handshake to find workshops, events, other career development programs hosted by the UCLA Career Center and to schedule counseling appointments with Career Center advisors.

Fellowships & Internship Funding

Visit our comprehensive Fellowships & Internship Funding page for more information on year long and summer opportunities, as well as UCLA resources.

ProFellow can help you search 2000+ professional and academic fellowships, along with advice and resources on fellowship applications.

UCLA GoinGlobal

Log-in Handshake, click on ‘Career Center’ and select ‘Resources’ to access GoinGlobal. This is a resource for job/internship search throughout the US and abroad. Obtain expert advice on CV, resume, work permit & visa requirements for work abroad. Identify companies who have submitted H1B visa applications.

Working at UCLA

Graduate programs at UCLA offer employment opportunities to graduate students including teaching and research assistantships. Additional work resources are available here, such as special readers, departmental scholars, postdocs, and internships.

Company Databases

The University of California system and UCLA has licensing to access a variety of business databases to help students research companies for academic use. The following are ones that may be useful for students to learn more about specific organizations.

AtoZ databases: Target Company Lists
Creates custom lists from more than 30 million US business profiles filtered by geography, industry, public/private ownership, employee size, annual revenue, and more. The database also includes more than 2.3 million job listings, 1.1 million healthcare professionals, 2 million new businesses, and much more. Users must be connected to UCLA VPN in order to access the database for free.

Uniworld Online
Information on multinational firms operating around the world. The database may be searched by country, state, keyword, zipcode or postal code, industry code, revenue, and the number of employees. Users must be connected to UCLA VPN in order to access the database for free.

Glassdoor
Read reviews of companies and their management from current and former employees.

Public Databases

Urban Planning

APA American Planning Association

Browngirl Green Jobs Board

Dayaway

Ecojobs

Environmental Career

Environmental Defense Fund

The Nature Conservancy

Planetizan

Green Dream Jobs

Urban Land Institute

USGBC (US Green Building Council)

WTS International Advancing Women in Transportation

Getting a Public Sector Job

General

Career Builder Job search site

Indeed Job search site

Koya Leadership Partners Executive searches

LinkedInJobs

Zip Recruiter

Government

Federal

USA Jobs

State

CalCareers

ICMA International City/County Management Association

NCSL Jobs National Conference of State Legislature

Regional

ABAG (Association of Bay Area Governments)

Bay Area Careers

DC Jobs Jobs in the Washington, D.C. area

SACOG Sacramento Area Council of Governments

SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments)

SCAG (Southern California association of Governments)

County

Other California Counties California State Association of Counties

Counties in other States National Association of Counties

City Governments

Other California Cities CA League of Cities

Other US Cities National League of Cities (NLC)

Career Exploration and Planning Tools

ONET Online A tool for career exploration and job analysis.

Occupational Outlook Handbook Career and industry trends, salaries, and job outlook

StrengthsFinder Understand your strengths and unlock your potential

Life Values Inventory Clarify values and guide decision making

MBTIonline Careers Find career satisfaction by matching your MBTI results to occupations that best fit your unique personality, and predicting how likely it is that you’ll be satisfied in those occupations.

Imagine PhD A career exploration and planning tool for PhD students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

MSW Online A resource to explore different fields and careers in social work.

Sample of Past Internship Sites

Mentoring and Networking Opportunities

Senior Fellows Program

Then, Congresswomen Karen Bass with her then mentee, Veronica Calkins (MSW candidate in 2015).

The Senior Fellows Program is the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs’ premier mentorship and networking program. Established in 1997, the Senior Fellows Program connects current graduate students in the Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning masters programs to prominent community, government, and business leaders in the public service arena. These influential executive-level professionals provide graduate students with: industry-specific guidance on preparing for a career in public service, an expanded professional network, access to professional spaces they may not have otherwise had access to, and opportunities to apply, synthesize, and critique the theory they learn in the classroom to the real-world.

Opportunity Examples

Each fellow-mentee relationship is different, as each mentee’s needs differ. However, some sample activities of past mentorship relationships included:

Discussing the Fellow’s career path/ informational interview
Shadowing the Fellow at work/committee meeting(s) or conference(s)
Seeking career development advice on resume, cover letter, job searching, elevator pitch, interviewing, and/or negotiating
Discussing leadership, management, and/or influence approach
Discussing identity/community specific issues (e.g. being a woman of color in a leadership role at the organization, discussing starting an LGBTQ employee resource group, etc.)
Discussing their professional response to current events and how that may differ from their personal response
Meeting additional individuals in your Senior Fellow’s network

Timeline

The below timeline is for the 2022-2023 academic year.

September 12: Application opens (apply via CareerHub)
October 12 at 12pm: Application closes
October 17: Mentors and Mentees are matched
October 26 8am: Senior Fellows Brunch
October 26-June 2023: Mentors and Mentees meet either monthly or every other month

Expectations

Meet with your Fellow at least once/quarter.
Notify Kevin Medina (kmedina@luskin.ucla.edu) if you encounter any issues or would like to particularly highlight an unexpectedly positive experience.
Be engaged, inquisitive, and ready to learn and contribute.
Approach this learning in an open manner which includes dialoging across difference.

2022-2023 Senior Fellows

Charlene Dimas-Peinado

The complete list of former UCLA Luskin Senior Fellows since 1997 can be found here.

Alumni Career Panels

UCLA Luskin alumni often return to campus to share specialized skills or areas of expertise with current Luskin students. Topics of recent career panels include Careers in Transportation, Long Beach Management Training, Capital Fellows, Careers in Education Policy, Careers in Social Welfare, and Environmental Sustainability. Check CareerHub and the Luskin Events Calendar for any upcoming alumni Panels.

UCLA ONE

UCLA ONE (Opportunity, Network and Experience) is your ONE-stop-shop for your professional needs and to connect with UCLA. Created to engage UCLA alumni and students, UCLA ONE serves as a resource for opportunities, events and professional development for Bruins worldwide. Please join the Luskin School of Public Affairs Group once you register.

Connect directly with the Luskin Office of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations on LinkedIn to communicate with our staff and receive updates.

“Land the Perfect Job with LinkedIn” – A free course from LinkedIn Guys for any students and alumni associated with UCLA.

Luskin Business Cards

Business Cards

As Luskin graduate students, you can order UCLA branded business cards! You must display your relationship with UCLA on the business card for your card to be approved.

Start your order with UCLA’s business card vendor

Register and create your design.
Print the quote that includes the amount of cards, total, and card design.
Bring this to your department (PP, SW, UP) along with a check payable to “UC Regents.” Please ask your department if they accept an alternative method payment.
Your business cards will take about 1-2 weeks to process for pick up.

Public Affairs Professional Associations

Below are links to some professional organizations we encourage you to research and potentially join. Being a part of a professional organizations allows you to network with folks in your field, get your name out there for potential job opportunities, stay abreast to changes in your field, find mentors, access resources, amongst other benefits.

Public Policy & Public Administration Professional Organizations

Nonprofit Management Professional Organizations

https://www.socialworkers.org/ National Association of Social Workers site provides access to membership, career opportunities, advocacy, and more.

https://www.planning.org/ The American Planning Association provides access to membership, a career center, professional development conferences, policy and advocacy, and much more.

Career Development Resource Library

Networking

Networking Basics

Networking is one of the most important skills that job seekers need to master to be truly effective in their job searches. It has been reported that upwards of 60% of all jobs are secured through networking. A well-developed career network can provide support, information and job leads. There are a number ways to develop a career network – joining professional associations, attending industry-specific social events and conferences, setting up informational interviews, or even just meeting colleagues for lunch. Getting involved with your alumni association, participating in volunteer opportunities and actively utilizing LinkedIn are additional ways to expand your circle.

On-campus networks: Get involved to meet people with similar interests, different backgrounds, inspiring life paths and networks of their own. Consider joining student organizations, get to know your faculty advisor, and attend lectures and talks within your department, Luskin, and across campus.

Mentoring programs: Consider applying to the Senior Fellows program.

Professional associations: Become a member of professional associations for your field and concentration, consider attending conferences and local meetings.

Informational Interviewing

An informational interview is a type of networking you conduct with an individual in a job or profession to gain a better understanding of the your field of interest. What you can gain from informational interviewing:

Learn how to best approach a job application
Learn how best to present yourself to a particular job or profession
Make professional connections and tap into the large “hidden job market”
Gather “inside information” to use when honing your resume and cover letter
Build your confidence in your ability to discuss your interests and how they match with a potential employer’s needs

Types of questions to ask:

What attracted you to the field?
Describe a typical day on the job.
What do you enjoy most/least about the work you do?
What personal and professional characteristics do you feel are important to this position or industry?
What trends and opportunities are developing?
What would be the best types of stepping stone positions I could take in order to gain the experience I need to do this job well?
What type of courses or education would you recommend?
What professional associations have you found useful?
What advice would you give to someone entering the field?

After the informational interview, write a thank you letter and contact anyone you were referred to for more information.

Elevator Pitch

When attending networking functions, it is helpful to have your “elevator pitch” or “sound byte” prepared. This is a 20‐30 second statement that succinctly summarizes who you are, what you do (and what the value is), what makes you unique, and your immediate goals.

Developing the Pitch

Imagine that you are standing in the elevator with a potential employer or business contact and you have 20 seconds to make an impression. What would you like them to take away from the interaction?

Consider the following while preparing your pitch:

What are your key strengths and positive qualities?
What do you have to offer?
Why are you interested in this company or this industry?
How do you work to meet the types of problems/challenges facing this industry or position?
What unique contributions will you make?

Example: My name is Sarah. I’m a community builder and housing developer with GIS training. I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in urban planning at UCLA. I’m bilingual and my experience includes designing multi-purpose residential units in small communities. Not only do I hire local talent, I recruit community leaders as volunteer project co-managers so I have the input of the neighborhood.

Continuing the Conversation

After the initial introduction, it is helpful to ask questions to keep the conversation flowing. Here are some questions that you can ask if your conversation comes to a lull:

Tell me about what you What has your experience been like working there?
What advice do you have for someone [that is getting ready to graduate from a master’s program; that is looking to transition into “x” field, etc.?]
Would you mind telling me about the professional atmosphere at “x” company?
How did you get involved in “x?” or What made you decide to do “y?”
What do you like most about what you do?
What do you see as the current trends in your field?
What would make someone the ideal employee for your company/industry?
Why did you choose this profession?
What projects are you working on?
What can you tell me about “x” firm?

Resumes and Cover Letters

Resume

Resume Content and Formatting Tips

A resume is a forward-thinking advertisement – it is marketing your successes and value to your target audience/employer and not just describing tasks that you performed on a daily basis. It is NOT a laundry list of past responsibilities; it is promoting your transferable skills.

Content, Action, Result (C-A‐R)
Write accomplishment statements focusing on achievements, rather than just describing the situation. Focus on:

New processes or programs you implemented or initiated
Goals you accomplished
Problems you solved

Limit your resume to one page. If you have 7+ years of professional experience, you may go on to a second page.

Prove that you added value by showing results whenever possible. Demonstrate that you are contribution-focused.

Start bullets with action verbs as opposed to more generic phrases such as “responsible for,” “worked with,” “assisted,” etc. Use present tense for current, ongoing work and past tense for completed work.

Prioritize bullets based on their relevance to targeted company/position (most important at top).

Strategize – What are the five to seven key skills you are marketing that are relevant to your audience? Determine whether each bullet is clearly selling one of these.

Update your resume regularly – make sure it is current. Include new events, awards, projects, responsibilities.

Bullet points are most effective when limited to only one to two lines of text.

Be concise and avoid redundancies. Consolidate related bullet points when possible. Every word counts.

Formatting: Keep it simple, clean, and easy to read. Style is important, but do not overuse italics, underlines or bold font. Avoid decorative bullets and graphics.

Watch for consistency throughout each section of the resume both in terms of format and content. For example, if the months are spelled out, then make sure all of the dates listed follow this same format.

Tailor your resume according to the description of the role for which you are applying. Use keywords similar to those in the job posting (without borrowing full phrases) to hit on the required/preferred skills.

Proofread your resume several times. Share your resume with others (friends, career counselor, mentor, etc.) and ask them to scan it for errors.

For sample templates and action verbs, see the UCLA Graduate Student Career Preparation Toolkit.

If you want to meet with a career counselor to have your resume reviewed, we recommend that you upload your resume into VMock before your appointment. VMock will give you instant feedback on how you can improve your resume. This will make the time you spend with a career counselor more productive.

MPP sample resume

Curricula Vitae

A CV is primarily used when applying for academic and research positions. It may also be used as part of the fellowship and grant application package. A CV should include your academic background, teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, among others.

Header & Footer

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address. If you plan to move while the CV is in use, include your current address and permanent address.
Number each page and include your name

Education

Include your PhD, institution, date expected, major or area of specialization
MA or MS, institution, date of degree, major and minor
BA or BS, institution, date of degree, major and minor

Dissertation

State the title and your dissertation chair
Include a four- or five-sentence abstract or summary addressing both the content and methodology

Research and Teaching Interests

Briefly describe your research and teaching interests, areas of specialization including areas outside your field

Honors and awards

Special distinctions associated with passing the MA and PhD exams
Fellowships, scholarship, grants-in-aid, etc.
Honorary awards received including those received at the bachelor’s level (avoid irrelevant non-academic awards)

Teaching experience

Position and institution
Descriptive titles of courses taught
Extent of experience (number of sections and quarters, semesters or years)

Research experience

Position, location, dates
Brief description of work conducted as it relates to the desired position

Publications

List all publications you are willing to show to a search committee; include URLs to papers accessible online
Include work in progress or submitted but not yet accepted

Other possible headings

Conference papers/research reports
Academic service (committee work)
Professional memberships (attendance at conferences/meetings can be noted)
Language skills – describe skill level (“reading knowledge,” or “fluent speaking ability”)
Additional work experience including research, consultation, and other experiences relevant to the type of position
Miscellaneous categories when relevant to teaching/research

For additional information and CV sample, see the UCLA Graduate Student Career Preparation Toolkit. See section for PhD students for additional resources.

Cover Letter

Well‐written cover letters/emails are an extremely important part of the job search process. They are your opportunity to grab the employer’s attention, highlight relevant skills, experience, and education, and illustrate what you know about the employer and the position. Cover letters also provide an opportunity for you to showcase your excellent writing and communication skills.

Before you start writing, consider the following:

Understand the value that you bring to the organization.
What relevant skills, experience and education do you want to highlight for this particular position and organization?
Who will be reading this letter? What skills will they be looking for?
Research the company. Show familiarity/understanding of the department and why your background would be of value to the role that you’re targeting.

Focus on the following:

Customize/personalize your letters. Tailor EVERY cover letter you write to the organization and specific position. Always address the letter to an individual, not “to whom it may concern” unless you are unable to find this information. Use “Dear Hiring Manager” when the name is not available.
Be positive and contribution-focused. Focus on what you have to offer.
Be concise – in most cases, cover letters should be no longer than one page.
Proofread! Mistakes or typographical errors convey a lack of attention to detail.
Use action verbs when possible.
Clearly express why you are a strong fit for the position and how you will contribute to the organization.

A strong cover letter is carefully organized. You may want to follow these suggested guidelines for what to include in each paragraph:

1st paragraph: Introduce yourself and express your interest in position.
Middle 2 – 3 paragraphs: Highlight your skills and experiences that are relevant to position. This should not be an exhaustive list, but rather 3 or 4 of the skills/experience you possess that best align with the opportunity.
Final paragraph: Summarize and close your argument. Briefly restate your relevant skills and experiences and thank the reader.

What to NOT include:

Your professional references
Your salary requirements. If specifically asked for salary requirements in the job description, note that you are open to having a conversation about compensation.

Interview Preparation

Before the Interview

Prepare for your interview by getting your career goals in focus, identify your main strengths related to the job, and gather specific accomplishments to back up your skills.
Research the organization and review in advance the most common interview questions and behavioral interviewing techniques.
Find out the dress code in advance and dress appropriately. Here are some guidelines.
Practice by yourself, a career counselor, or with a friend.
Use InterviewStream to practice interviewing anytime from a computer or mobile device and access over 7,000 general and industry-specific interview questions. Log-in to Handshake, select Career Center from the toolbar, then Resources.
Review “Successful Interviewing” from the UCLA Career Center, which includes 20 common interview questions to prepare for.
For additional tips on successful interviewing, see the general UCLA Career Guide and 10 Types of Interviews (and How to Ace Them).

During the Interview

First impressions count so be on time or a little bit early to allow yourself time to relax and feel comfortable.
Begin on a positive note. Listen for open-ended questions and respond with your main strengths and skills plus examples to back them up. For example:
- “I think the most important thing I can offer you is…(main strength).”
- “One example of this is…(specific proof).”
Send the right body language by relaxing and being yourself. Sit erect, use gestures if they come naturally, and maintain good eye contact.
Speak clearly and concisely. Keep your responses specific. Ask for clarification if needed.
Let the interviewer set the tempo but be prepared to take the initiative if you’re not getting the opportunity to make your points.
Ask relevant questions to increase your understanding of the job.
Ask about their timetable.
Close positively, end the interview as you started it by emphasizing your main strength.

After the Interview

Write a thank you letter or email to all you interviewed with. Add any pertinent information you might have left out of the interview and reiterate your interest in the job. See a sample thank you note.
Keep an organized log of names and contact information along with interview dates.
Take any additional steps suggested by the interviewer, (completing an application, talking to others, sending a transcript or portfolio).

Virtual Interviews

In addition to the in-person interview, it is common for organizations to conduct a phone or video interview as a first-round screening to determine if you’re a fit to come in for a full interview. You prepare for it just as you would for an in-person interview with some key adjustments to accommodate technology.

Rehearse. Ask a friend or colleague to do a mock interview with you so you can feel comfortable responding as you would in an in-person interview.
Prepare in advance. Be ready at least 5 minutes prior to the time the employer is scheduled to call you. Relax and review your materials as you wait for the call. Have water nearby in case you need
Prevent interruptions. Silence phones and find a quiet place to conduct the interview. If you share a living space, post a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Test your Skype/video platform, headset, and internet connection beforehand.
Use your notes. This is one main benefit to phone or video interview.
“Dress” for an interview. Putting on smart, interview-style clothes before your scheduled telephone or video interview can help you to focus and get into a professional mindset.
Smile. If you make yourself smile during the conversation, you physically become more relaxed and, as a consequence, your voice will sound more confident, friendly and assertive. You will come across much better when speaking.
Lighting and surroundings. Pay attention to lighting and glare when you are doing a video interview. You do not want the interviewer to be distracted from your responses.

For additional tips on successful interviewing, see the UCLA Career Guide and 10 Types of Interviews (and How to Ace Them).

Sample Interview Questions

Resources

InterviewStream is an online platform to practice interviewing anytime from a computer or mobile device and contains over 7,000 general and industry-specific interview questions. Log-in to Handshake, select Career Center from the toolbar, then Resources.

Successful Interviewing Guide from the UCLA Career Center: Includes steps to acing an interview, as well as 20 Common Interview Questions to review.

Questions That Your Resume and/or Cover Letter Should Answer

Why do you think you’ll be a good fit for this company? What are your qualifications for this position?
What personal and professional qualifications do you possess that have allowed you to be successful in your field?
What specific strengths did you bring to the table?
What has been your most important work-‐‐related contribution? What were your most significant accomplishments in your last job?
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from your previous experience that will enable you to be successful in your next position?
What personality traits do you possess that you think are necessary to succeed in this field?
What is the most significant improvement in (your field or area of expertise) that you have achieved in the last year?
What can you do for us if we hire you?

Questions for Recent Graduates

What made you choose this field?
Why did you attend this particular school?
How does your degree prepare you for a career in this industry?
What natural skills do you possess that made this the ideal academic and career choice? How will your education help you to excel at a job here?
What qualifications do you have, beyond your academic achievements that will enable you to excel or succeed within our company?
Do you think your grades are a good indicator of your ability to succeed here?
What other types of positions and companies are you considering right now?

Questions for Assessment

What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives and how are you preparing yourself to meet them?
What rewards are the most important to you in your chosen occupation?
What expectations do you have in terms of earnings in five years?
What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses?
How would you describe yourself?

Questions for Fit

What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful in this field?
What do you think it takes to be successful in our organization?
In what ways can you contribute to our organization?
Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and employee.
What factors are most important to you in your job?

Knowledge of Employer Questions

Why are you interested in working for us?
What do you know about our organization?
Do you prefer a small, medium, or large organization?
What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you want to work?
Do you have a geographical preference? Why?

Behavioral Questions within Themes

Champion the Mission

Understands the Mission: What makes you optimistic that our organization will continue to Thrive?
Motivated to work for our mission: Outside the role you’re interviewing for, why are you interested in being at this organization?
Participates in a community of culture: Tell me about a time that you’ve felt the most motivated or successful. Why?
Prioritizes a mission over self-interest: What is something you’ve worked hard towards in the past for no other reason than you were passionate about it?
Cares for others: What’s the most compassionate thing you have done for someone else in the last 6 months?
Encourages participation: Tell me of a time you championed someone else’s work?
Listens and communicates: Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone. How did you resolve it?

Entrepreneur

Bold: Tell me about a time you’ve done something you consider risky in either your personal or work life?
Imagines the ideal outcome: What’s one big problem in the world that you are passionate about solving? How?
Resourceful: If you woke up tomorrow and didn’t have to worry about money for a year, how would you spend your time?

Embrace the Adventure

Curious: When is the last time you had a big change in perspective? Who changed your mind?
Owns and learns from mistakes: What is something that’s challenging for you that you’re still working on?
Optimistic: Tell me about a time something important to you didn’t go as planned. What did you do?

Questions Job Candidates May Want to Ask During Interviews

What do you see as this position’s primary responsibilities on a daily/weekly basis?
How, if at all, do you see these responsibilities changing over time? What do you feel are the most important responsibilities of this position?
What are some additional aspects of this position that are unique to your company? What are this company’s current challenges?
What do you view as this company’s greatest goals and missions?
Has this company experienced a downsizing at any time in its history, and if so, when? What do like the most about your position here?
What is the work environment like day to day?
Is there anything else I should know about this company?
Are there any aspects of my skills or background that you would like to hear more about?
How would my performance be measured and how is successful performance usually rewarded? Can you describe your organizational culture?
Where does this position fit into the organization? What kind of person are you looking for?
What problems might I expect to encounter on this job? Tell me about promotions and advancement in this company.
What are your expectations of the person hired for this position?
What are the three most significant things that need to be accomplished in this position in the first year and what do you foresee as the major hurdles?
Describe the performance evaluation procedures you use.
When can I expect to hear from you about the next stage in the interviewing process?

Salary Negotiation

Before the Offer

Understand your base requirements, which can be calculated using the following:

1. Your living wage – the minimum income requirements you need in order to cover basic requirements such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and car/transportation.

2. Your current worth – research pay scales for individuals at your current skill and qualification level, position, industry, location, and business climate.

3. Top of the scale – for your position, industry, location, and business climate.

Once you have determined your worth based on the job market and your salary requirements, decide on an amount that you want and what you’ll accept before starting negotiations. See the UCLA Career Guide: Negotiating a Compensation Package for the monthly worksheet and more detailed tips for negotiating salaries.

Step-by-Step Guide to Negotiating for the Pay You Deserve

Money Geek

Salary Research and Pay Scale Calculators

PayScale
Information based on salary surveys, salary and compensation information and analysis. Includes evaluations for job offers or raises, and salary in your current position.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Statistics on targeted position or potential career path, including educational requirements, national salary levels, working environment, and more.

Salary.com
Compare what positions are paying in your choice of industry and location based on years of experience and education.

SalaryExpert.com
A leading provider of online compensation data, including salary comparison, serving both individual employees and HR/Compensation professionals.

UCLA Salary Calculator and Resources
Enables students and alumni to estimate anticipated salary levels for several occupations, factoring in career titles, geographical location, education, and more.

Professional Associations and Journals

CareerOneStop Professional Association Finder
Locate national professional associations by occupation or industry served.

Directory of Associations
Search for over 36,000 associations worldwide

Company Research

Vault
Access in-depth information on what it’s like to work in an industry, company or profession and gain insight on how to position yourself to land a job or internship. To access Vault, log-in into your Handshake account, click on ‘Career Services’ and go to ‘Resources.’

Pay Transparency & Disclosure

Effective January 1, 2023, California’s Labor Code 432.3 requires employers of 15 or more to include the pay scale for a position in any job posting. To mitigate pay inequities and ensure compliance with this new law, UCLA Luskin will only share postings for jobs and internships that include the pay scale in the job posting.

For more information please go here: https://www.businessinsider.com/list-of-states-and-cities-with-pay-transparency-laws-colorado-2022-11

*This section was last updated November 2022.

Resources for Supervisors

Tackling Implicit Bias (for Future Employers)

Below are resources on how to be culturally sensitive, not perpetuate cycles of inequity, and make the workplace more equitable for all employees.

HiresDS Resource/service for inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities.

AskJAN Job accommodation resource for people with disabilities.

Catalyst Equity for women.

Out & Equal Resources for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

2023 CEI Criteria Evolution: Toolkit and FAQ Allies / Support.

NCDA Career development support for those with psychiatric disabilities.

Identity & Community Specific Career Development Resources

UCLA Luskin is committed to taking a holistic approach to career services. We understand that we must be culturally responsive in order to provide the best career preparation support possible to Luskin graduate students with myriad intersectional identities and experiences. We are partnering with Luskin’s D3 Initiative in order to offer robust resources and workshops. Please regularly check back on this tab in order to view our ever-growing resource library for traditionally under-resourced communities. Please see our “events and programs” tab to view our upcoming equity, diversity, and inclusion centered programs related to career services. We also encourage you to reach out to your Luskin Career Counselor for an appointment to discuss identity/community specific issues that may be affecting your job/internship search, interview, etc. (e.g. approaching salary negotiations as woman and/or person of color, navigating the job search process as a first generation student/professional, reconciling authenticity with professionalism, etc.). Lastly, please do not hesitate to reach out if there is an idea that you have for us to bolster our commitment to providing holistic career services at UCLA Luskin.

BIPOC Students

Black/African American

Network/Hiring:

African American Professional Associations provides students and job seekers a list of the top 21 professional associations.

The Black Perspective provides resources, networking, jobs, and awareness to issues facing minority professionals.

Black Career Women’s Network is a career service organization designed to assist Black women find, thrive, and progress in their professional careers.

African American Hires is a job search tools and career resources for African American and Black professionals.

Corporate Minority is a professional career resource site assisting companies diversify their businesses, while providing resources jobs search tool for minority job seekers.

Latinx/Hispanic

Network/Hiring:

Hispanic and Latino Professional Associations provides students and job seekers a list of the top 15 professional associations.

Hispanic-Latinx Hires provides career services, job search tool, and networking events for Hispanic and LatinX job seekers.

iHispano provides career service events and a job search tool for job job seekers.

LatPro connects Hispanics and Latinx folks with employers seeking to diversify their businesses.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation offers a series of free podcasts and videos focused on money management, debt management and wealth, along with programs to promote leadership and education within the Hispanic community.

Asian/Pacific American

Networking/Hiring:

National Council of Asian Pacific Americans Provides networking resources for 38 API organizations, around the country.

Asian Career Network is a career service site that provides career events for networking, a list of companies seeking to hire API individuals, and a job search engine.

AAPI Hires is a job board for both employers and potential employees.

National Association of Asian American Professionals is a job search engine “connecting talent with opportunity.”

Indigenous/Native American

Network/Hiring:

Native American Professional Organizations Provides a list of top Native American organizations and professional associations.

National Congress of American Indians – Provides job opportunities by entities considered to be American Indian, Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native owned/operated, and also opportunities by organizations looking to hire Native American employees.

Native & Indigenous Hires Consists of career events and networking opportunities, community resources, and a job search tool.

NativeAmericanJobs.com is a career site providing resources and a job search tool.

Nativehire Provides career resources, including employment preparation, workshops and career events, as well as a job search tool.

Additional Multicultural Resources

Network/Hiring:

Diversity Professional Associations A list of diversity professional associations in a multitude of industries.

IMDiversity.com Focuses on career and self-development for all minorities.

INSIGHT Into Diversity Consists of resources for organizations focused on equal opportunity to find and hire diverse, qualified candidates. Provides a job board for candidates in fields, including academia, business, healthcare, and the government.

NACE Diversity Resources The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has a list of resources for students, and connects career services professionals to active recruiters and employers seeking to diversify their organizations.

DACA Students

Networking/Hiring

There are many resources that can help Dreamers navigate transitioning from students to career professionals. Below are some helpful resources in which you can get legal advise, access funding for businesses and education, network with other DACA recipients, and find employment

Networking

DREAMer Jobs is a Facebook group featuring job opportunities for DACA recipients.

Hiring

DACA-Friendly Employers is a list of DACA friendly employers.

Immigrants Rising provides resources for Dreamers who are looking to start their own businesses. Those DACA recipients can access information regarding entrepreneurship, business plans, worker cooperatives, and financing.

MyVisaJobs database provides employment opportunities for Dreamers.

Legal Support

Legal Support

TheDream.US offers legal, educational resources, and more.

National Immigration Law Center (NILC) answers frequently asked questions about DACA and employment. Dreamers with questions regarding their work permits may find answers on this page.

DACA Worker’s Rights Guide provides resources for common questions regarding DACA recipients and their rights in the workplace.

Undocumented Graduate and Professional Students Handbook Please visit the UCLA undocumented graduate and professional students handbook for additional resources.

Career Readiness/Support

Career Readiness

Gaining Experience This site, hosted by Eastern Washington’s career center, provides information for DACA recipients and undocumented workers who want to gain work experience but aren’t legally permitted to work.

UCLA ESL Writing Program ha resources for English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

Support

Undocu-Grad School Guide A guide to pursuing, financing, and navigating graduate school as undocumented students.

My Undocumented Life Information and resources for undocumented students.

Immigrants Rising provides immigrant focused services and resources.

International Students

On-campus Employment

While at UCLA, there are various opportunities for graduate students to obtain employment on campus such teaching and research assistantships, as well as reader and tutor positions. To learn more about the types of positions, visit the Graduate Division page. Additionally, many offices and departments offer part-time employment opportunities to students. Log-in to your Handshake account to see on-campus job postings.

If you want a Teaching Assistantship, go to the Graduate Education Website to view opportunities by department. Subscribe to the TA Positions Group to receive alerts when there are TA vacancies. As an international student, if English is not your first language, you must take and pass the Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP).

If you want to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) at UCLA, you must take and pass the Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP) before working as a TA in any department at UCLA. All non-citizens are considered international students. This includes permanent residents. However, international students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university are exempt from taking the TOP.

Students who plan to work as TAs must take the TOP before the quarter they plan to teach. For example, if you plan to work in the Fall, you must take and pass the exam during the summer exam dates or before. Only one exam may be taken per administration. Please consult your department for specific hiring deadlines.

The TOP is only offered once a quarter. You must register at least 24 hours prior to your desired exam time. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive an email with detailed instructions about how to take the exam via Zoom. When the exam is held in person, it is held at 270 Powell Library (Instructional Media Lab). Please note that the exams are NOT administered at the TOP office.

Employment Authorization

F-1 Students
In general, all F-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during winter and summer vacation. F-1 students can work on-campus without obtaining employment authorization from DCISS or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. See DCISS for more detailed information.

J-1 Students
J-1 students may work on campus part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year. In order to be employed, students must be in good academic standing and obtain on- campus work authorization from DCISS. This includes assistantships (TA, GSR) and fellowships. See DCISS for more detailed information.

Off-campus Employment

International students can be eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time over winter and summer breaks. Below is a brief summary of the employment authorization. See the DCISS website for more detailed instructions and application process.

F-1 Students

F-1 students are eligible to obtain employment authorization for “practical training,” which is employment in their field of study.

INTERNSHIP: CPT – CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING

Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, is employment authorization before graduation, which is issued by the educational institution on the Form I-20 (a U.S. government document that verifies a student’s admission to a U.S. institution). Students pursuing unpaid internships are still required to apply for CPT. For more information regarding legal issues around unpaid internships, see NACE article.

Employment period: Up to 20 hours/week during the school year. During Summer, there are no limits to the number of hours students can work via CPT.

Employer’s Role: Provide students with a job offer letter

Student’s Role: Obtain work authorization from the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars (DCISS). Since the authorization is approved by the educational institution, CPT is authorized according to the institution’s ability to approve that the off-campus internship is curricular, or directly related to the student’s field of study.

Cost and Processing Time: There is no cost to the employer. The processing and approval time for CPT is within 5 working days.

SHORT TERM FULL-TIME POSITIONS: OPT – OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

F-1 students may also use OPT during the summer break but should consult with DCISS to determine if CPT or OPT is needed for their summer position.

J-1 Students

J-1 students are eligible to obtain employment authorization using “academic training” (AT) which is employment in their field of study.

Employment period: Academic training is available both before graduation (Pre-Completion AT) and after graduation (Post-Completion AT). Before graduation, AT is allowed part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks, or if the student has advanced to candidacy. After graduation, AT is allowed either full-time or part time, but must be for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The total amount of time allowed depends on the duration of the exchange program up to 18 months. Students with Ph.D. degrees may be extended for a total of 36 months. Some J-1 students have a two-year home residency requirement that must be either waived or fulfilled before they can pursue other employment options such as H1-B or Permanent Residency.

Employer’s Role: Provide students with a job offer letter. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for Academic Training prior to starting employment.

Student’s Role: Submit Academic Training requests before beginning employment and before the academic program completion date if applying for Post-Completion AT. Students approved for academic training will receive an updated DS-2019 showing Academic Training Approval and an employment authorization letter. Both the letter and DS-2019 will show the duration of your academic training approval based on your application and job offer letter.

Cost and Processing Time: There is no cost to the employer. DCISS processes the student’s Academic Training documentation within 10-14 working days.

After program completion/Full-time job search

If you are graduating in June and want to work in the U.S. after graduating, please review the information found on the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars website and be aware of the deadlines.

F-1 Students

SHORT TERM FULL-TIME POSITIONS: OPT – OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is employment authorization generally after graduation which is issued by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) on an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).

Employment period: After degree completion, up to 12 months of full-time or part-time

Employer’s Role: For the first 12 months of initial OPT, the employer does not have any paperwork responsibilities beyond hiring the employee. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for OPT, which can be granted with or without an offer of employment.

Student’s Role: Follow OPT guidelines and application process as outlined by UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars.

Cost and Processing Time: There is no cost to the employer. DCISS requires 5 business days to process the student’s OPT documentation for submission to USCIS. The USCIS processing time for OPT takes an average of 90 days. It is highly recommended that students submit their OPT application to DCISS at least 3 months before their requested OPT start date. The new employee must have the EAD card in hand to start work and the start date of OPT (as indicated on the EAD) must have been reached.

LONG TERM FULL-TIME POSITIONS: H-1B VISA

Employers can continue employing international graduates beyond the 12-month OPT period by filing a Petition for a Nonimmigrant (temporary) Worker on behalf of the employee, the most common category being the H-1B visa. Other visa options can be found at the USCIS website.

Employment period: H-1B petitions may be initially approved for three years but can be renewed for a total of six years.

Employer’s Role: The employer is responsible for filing the H-1B petition on behalf of the international employee. Many companies find that retaining an experienced immigration attorney is helpful to facilitate the process. Dashew can refer interested employers to law firms that have worked success-fully with our staff and faculty in the past.

Cost and Processing Time: Inclusive of the attorney fee and USCIS application fees, the total cost to apply for an H-1B visa is between $5,000-$7,000. The earliest date for filing a cap-subject H-1B petition is April 1. As there is high demand for H-1B visas, it is strongly recommended that applications arrive at USCIS on April 1. Approved H-1B visas become effective October 1. The process for cap-exempt H-1B visas is slightly different.

Cap-Exempt H-1B: Only 65,000 H-1B visas are given out for candidates who have completed undergraduate degrees, and an additional 20,000 are available for those who have completed graduate degrees in the U.S. An exemption to the cap is available to U.S. employers that fall into one of the three exemption categories including:

Higher education institution
Non-profit organization associated with a higher education institution
Non-profit research or government research organization

Additional information can be found here.

J-1 Students

J-1 students are eligible to obtain employment authorization using “academic training” (AT) which is employment in their field of study.

Employer’s Role: Provide students with a job offer letter. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for Academic Training prior to starting employment.

Cost and Processing Time: There is no cost to the employer. Dashew processes the student’s Academic Training documentation within 10-14 working days.

Job Search Strategies

Utilize resources and networks to broaden potential employment opportunities.

Work Authorization and Visa Resources

Going Global is an online database with domestic and international job listings, job search resources, and more. View the H-1B section for a list employers that have sponsored visas by each state and major metro areas. Access through Handshake.
MyVisaJobs.com allows you to learn which employers have utilized H-1B visas for a three-year period and also provides other excellent resources
USCIS H-1B Cap will allow you to monitor the number of available H-1B visas and provides helpful information.
RedBus2US.com provides information and experiences for international students and professionals looking to study, work and live in the US.
VisaDoor is a central visa database of employment based green cards, H-1B visa, student visa, immigration attorneys, etc.

Job Search

Use Handshake and other job search tools to find job opportunities
Vault.com: provides in-depth information on specific industries, company, or profession. Access through Handshake.
GoinGlobal: provides information on companies sponsoring H-1B visas, work permit & visa requirements, and job/internship postings. Access through Handshake.
Glassdoor: Search job listings, anonymous salary details for any job or company.
Company Directories
The University of California system and UCLA has licensing to access a variety of business databases to help students research companies for academic use. The following are ones that may be useful for students to learn more about specific organizations.
- AtoZ databases: Target Company Lists
  Creates custom lists from more than 30 million US business profiles filtered by geography, industry, public/private ownership, employee size, annual revenue, and more. The database also includes more than 2.3 million job listings, 1.1 million healthcare professionals, 2 million new businesses, and much more. Users must be connected to UCLA VPN in order to access the database for free.
- Uniworld Online
  Information on multinational firms operating around the world. The database may be searched by country, state, keyword, zipcode or postal code, industry code, revenue, and the number of employees. Users must be connected to UCLA VPN in order to access the database for free.
Lockin Job: Online platform to learn about companies and jobs in China.

Interviewing Strategies

During the interview, you will be expected to verbally communicate your interest in the position. For advice and resources for interviewing, please review the Interviewing Section for more information. Also, consider the following tips:

Don’t apologize for your accent. Work to improve your English skills if you are a non-native speaker but practice your interviewing skills to build your confidence.
Emphasize positive aspects of your international background. Certain employers are seeking to expand to global markets. Your international background may be an asset to these employers.
Practice, record and get feedback using InterviewStream (access through Handshake) or through mock interviews with a career counselor.

Additional Resources

Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars

Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars (DCISS) website has a lot of information that will be helpful for you. Read the information on Programs & Events, Resources, and F-1 Students. If you want to start working on your internship hours, go to the Employment tab on the Currently Enrolled section of the DCISS website to read more about CPT and the forms you will need to complete.

Dashew has in-person lobby hours for general inquiries Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 4:00 pm. There are also virtual drop-in office hours Monday – Friday from 1:30 pm -4:00 pm (PST).

LGBTQIA+ Students

Networking/Hiring

Networking:

HRC Student & Professional Associations A listing of LGBTQIA professional and student associations, broken down by industry.

Out Professionals – Largest LGBT networking organization “dedicated to advancing the careers of LGBTQ professionals by creating meaningful networking events and other career-building and life-enriching programming.”

Out & Equal – an LGBT workplace advocacy group designed to connect the LGBT community through resources, events, and support groups.

Hiring:

LGBTConnect job board for anyone seeking LGBT-friendly employers.

Corporate Equality Index connects jobseekers with LGBT- friendly companies.

The Capital Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – Identifies LGBT-friendly companies in the District of Columbia.

Legal Support

HRC Laws & Legislation Resources on employment rights and quality of workplace for LGBTQ+ professionals.

Lamb da Legal- Workplace Discrimination A step-by-step guide for what to do if you experience discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Transgender Law Center Resource center for information on trans rights in the workplace, how to file a discrimination complaint with local, state, and federal agencies.

Out At Work- Know Your Rights Resource center for legal knowledge of LGBT employment/workplace rights.

Career Readiness/Support

LA LGBT Center TEEP Career development resources, legal assistance, and economic support for gender-diverse people.

Navigating Gender Identity and Expression During a Job Search An article offering insight into gender identity expression while looking for employment.

Coming Out at Work A non-comprehensive guide to coming out in the workplace.

National Center for Transgender Equality A resource center for transgender employees.

Transitioning at Work A checklist for preparing to transition in the workplace.

Your Journey: A Career Guide for Trans and Nonbinary Students An interactive career guide for trans and nonbinary students.

Introductions on Pronouns Resources on using pronouns.

PhD Students

Academic Job Search Resources

In addition to working with your faculty advisor as you prepare for the academic job search market, below are some additional resources to help you.

Career Planning

A Guide to Academia: Getting into and Surviving Grad School, Postdocs, and a Research Job by Prosanta Chakrabarty (free access through UCLA VPN)

ImaginePhD is a free online career exploration and planning tool for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences.

The Professor is In: The Essential Guide to Turning your Ph.D. Into a Job by Karen Kelsky

UCLA Graduate Student Career Preparation Toolkit

Job Search

Academic Job Search is a list of job resources compiled by the UCLA Career Center.

Academic Job Search Process by Andrew Green, UC Berkeley

Interviews

A Guide to Campus Interviews The Chronicle of Higher Education

A Strategy Guide for Second-Round Interviews Free downloadable booklet by Chronicle Vitae

Salaries and Negotiations

Average Faculty Salaries The Chronicle of Higher Education

AAUP Faculty Salary Survey American Association of University Professors

Negotiating the Non-Tenure Track The Chronicle of Higher Education

How to Negotiate Your Tenure-Track Offer Karen Kelsky, The Professor Is In

Non-Academic Job Search Resources

Explore Your Options

ImaginePhD ins an online resource for graduate students in the humanities and social sciences.

The Versatile Phd is an online resource for graduate students in all field.

Conduct Your Search

HASTAC (“haystack”) is a network of humanists, artists, social scientists and engineers committed to new forms of collaboration across disciplines.

My Next Move is a free resource from the US Department of Labor.

Non-Academic Career Options for Humanities and Social Sciences (compiled by Columbia University Career Education)

Prepare Your Application Material

UCLA Graduate Student Career Guide

Articles and Books

Before Your Write a Cover Letter for a Nonfaculty Job, Try this Exercise by Erin Bartram (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

The Ph.D.’s Guide to a Nonfaculty Job Search by L. Maren Wood (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

“So What Are You Going to Do with That?”: Finding Careers Outside Academia by Susan Basalla and Maggie Debelius

Internship and Fellowship Resources

The following list contains just a few organizations that offer internships for doctoral students. Additionally, many organizations offer internship programs. Visit the websites of organizations that interest you for internship and summer opportunities.

Internship Opportunities

Asian Development Bank

J.P. Morgan Summer Internships

RAND Graduate Student Summer Association Program

United Nations University PhD Internships

World Bank

Internship Listing Sites (compiled by UCB)

Fellowship and Postdoc Databases and Resources

Postdoctoral Fellowships in the Social Sciences (compiled by UCB)

Pregnant & Parenting Students

Networking/Hiring

How To Search for a Job While Pregnant Guide for Job Search while expecting.

How to Job Search While You’re Pregnant Guide for Job Search while expecting.

How to Get a Job While Pregnant Guide and tips for Job Search and hiring process while pregnant.

FamilyEquality Provides family support, family building, and advocacy resources for LGBTQ+ families.

TheMomProject Has a job board to connect expecting parents with employers “who employers moms.”

Legal Support

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the pregnancy discrimination act.

Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) The US department of Labor Family and Medical Leave Act.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Guidelines Guide for Family and Medical Leave.

Facts About Pregnancy Discrimination The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission facts.

Paid Family Leave Resources National Conference of State Legislatures, paid family leave resources.

Students with Disabilities

Networking/Hiring

People with disabilities continue to face barriers finding employment at higher rates than there able-bodied counterpart. This section provides links to services and resources to help close the gap.

Networking:

Lime Connect “represents the largest network of high-potential university students and professionals – including veterans – who have disabilities in the world.”

Disability Equality Index Provides networking for disability inclusion efforts.

Hiring:

DisabledPerson is a job board with more than 300,000 jobs available for searching and posted directly by employers.

Creative Spirit is a job search tool and assistance for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

Integrate Advisors is a job search tool and resources for autistic adults.

Ability Links Job search tool for job seekers with disabilities and inclusive employers.

Legal Support

“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, state and local government services, and telecommunications.”

Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace Why, When, What, and How Provides policy and legal guidance around disclosing disability.

Job Accomodation Network “provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the medical condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources, and ADA compliance assistance.”

American Association of People with Disabilities is a resource center for adults with disabilities that offers legal resources, job search tool, and networks.

Career Readiness/Support

Career Readiness/Support:

Georgetown University Resources provides career resources for disabled individuals.

Viscardi Center provides job readiness and education for adults with disabilities.

California Department of Rehabilitation has job resources for individuals with disabilities.

Arizona State University has compile a “Job Assistance Guide for People with Disabilities”.

Students with Low Socioeconomic Status

Networking/Hiring

Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals is a job search tool and provides links to resources for federal government grants and loans.

LA Promise Zone Resources Provides employment and housing assistance as well as networking events and other resources.

Career Readiness/Support

Low Income Workers Climbing Career Ladder article with list of programs helping low-income workers “climb the career ladder.”

Dress for Success provides professional clothing for those identifying as women.

Good Clothes Good People provides professional clothing for UCLA students, item rentals, and hygiene supply refills.

UCLA Transportation’s Bruin Commuter Transit Benefit program offers one free quarterly transit pass for eligible students, staff, and faculty.

Students With Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health in the Workplace

Resources for Mental Health:

UCLA RISE Center offers “a variety of practices and curated resources to support your holistic success, mental health and well-being.”

Career Readiness/Support:

Meaningful Work and Recovery Provides networking, peer support, advocacy, and other resources for those in need.

Work and Wellbeing A Job Guide for People with Mental Health Conditions.

A Practical Guide for People with Mental Health Conditions Who Want to Work.

Women-Identified Students

Networking/Hiring

Networking:

Wonder Women Tech Provides access to career development, mentorship, job opportunities, and networking for Women, BIPOC, and the Underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Math (STEAM) and Innovation.

WTS International is dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women. We advance women; advance transportation.

Hiring:

Career and Job Resources for Women Job-Seekers Career and job resources for women.

Women’s Job List Job search tool for women.

Feminist Jobs Job opportunities at leading feminist and progressive organizations.

Career Readiness:

The Best Strategies for Women to Negotiate a Higher Salary Woman’s guide and resources for salary negotiation.

Life After Luskin

Luskin Alumni Relations

The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs has a global network of more than 9,000 alumni living and working in more than 40 countries. UCLA Luskin’s Office of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations seeks to engage all Luskin alums in a meaningful way that facilitates a lifelong connection with each other and the School and encourages support and guidance for future generations of Luskin students and fellow alums.

Send Us Your Updates

Interested in speaking on a panel, serving on a committee, or helping with recruitment? Have you moved or changed jobs? Please take a moment to update your contact information and tell us how you’d like to get involved.

We would love to hear from you! Update us with your professional milestones, your day-to-day victories, as well as your ideas.

Dr. Karina Mascorro
Director of Alumni Engagement
kmascorro@luskin.ucla.edu

Connect With Us

Network with fellow alumni & students via UCLA Luskin Office of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations page on LinkedIn.

Connect with hundreds of UCLA Luskin alumni and students in four easy steps by updating the education section in your personal LinkedIn profile:

In the Education section of your profile, add “UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs” as your school (not UCLA, the undergraduate college)
Add your “Dates Attended”
Add your “Degree”
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Class of 2021 Employment Survey Results

Public Policy

The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs prepares its students to enter the workforce with a broad range of practical and professional skills. Luskin graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles and effect change as practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in the public, private and non-governmental sectors. The following survey results provide information and statistics regarding where our Class of 2021 Public Policy graduates are working, their salary ranges, the policy issues they are tackling and how they found their current jobs. The data below is from the January 2022 survey, which is 6 months after they graduated. Among the graduating class, 39 completed the survey.

Percentage Employed

89.7% of 2021 Public Policy graduates who responded to the survey are employed full or part time at:

• Acumen LLC
• Busara Center for Behavioral Economics
• California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
• California Department of Finance
• California Department of Housing and Community Development
• Center for Global Sustainability – University of Maryland at College Park
• Common Cause
• Delta-EE
• Emas Herbs
• Entertain Impact
• Expeditors
• Institute of Finance and Sustainability
• Jennifer Brown Consulting, Castillo Consulting Partners
• Los Angeles County Dept of Health Services, Office of Diversion & Reentry
• National Association for Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP)
• O’Reilly Public Relations
• Summit Consulting Group
• 17 Asset Management
• Texas Jail Project
• UCLA Law

Sector and Position Level

Approximately 26% work in public agencies, 37% work for non-profit organizations, 34% work for the government, and 3% secured jobs in the private sector. 55% hold a mid-level position and 45% hold an entry-level position.

Location

71% of respondents work in California. Of that percentage, 63% work in Los Angeles and the rest work in Orange County, San Francisco/Bay Area, Sacramento, Merced, and San Diego County. The remaining 29% worked out of state and internationally in locations such as New York, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Houston, Japan, Canada, and Turkey.

Salary Range

Industry/Policy Areas

The majority of recent graduates’ jobs are in the following fields.

- - Advocacy
  - Affordable housing
  - Budget/Finance
  - Community Development
  - Consulting
  - Criminal Justice
  - Data analytics
  - Economic Development
  - Education
  - Employment/Labor
  - Environmental/Sustainability
  - Government (Federal, State, Local)
  - GIS
  - Government & Community Relations
  - Grantwriting/Fundraising
  - Healthcare
  - Homelessness
  - Housing
  - Immigration
  - International Development/International Affairs
  - Media/Communications
  - Mental Health/Criminal Justice
  - National Security
  - Non-profit Management
  - Poverty/Homelessness
  - Public Health
  - Public Policy/Government Accountability
  - Research
  - Transportation

How They Located Their Positions

Approximately 35% of graduates surveyed indicated they found their current jobs through networking opportunities, including Senior Fellows Program and networking with faculty, Luskin alumni, and colleagues/professionals in the field. Additionally, 47% discovered their position through online job searches. Another 9% had an internship during their Master’s program that transitioned into a full-time job.

Social Welfare

The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs prepares its students to enter the workforce with a broad range of practical and professional skills. Luskin Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles and effect change as practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in the public, private and non-governmental sectors. The following survey results provide information and statistics regarding where our Class of 2021 Social Welfare graduates are working, their salary ranges, the policy issues they are tackling and how they found their current jobs. The data below is from the January 2022 survey, which is 6 months after they graduated. Among the graduating cohort 43 completed the survey.

Percentage Employed

90.7% of Social Welfare 2022 graduates who responded to the survey are employed full or part-time at:

- - Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)
  - Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT)
  - Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers (APCTC)
  - Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)
  - The Bucket List Project Foundation
  - Cedars Sinai Medical Center
  - Center for Court Innovation
  - Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
  - County of Orange Health Care Agency
  - Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS)
  - Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center
  - Dignity Health-California Hospital Medical Center
  - Eagle Rock Therapy
  - El Rancho Unified School District (ERUSD)
  - Healthright 360
  - Keany Associates
  - LA County Dept. of Public Health Office of Violence Prevention
  - LAUSD
  - LA County Dept. of Health Services, Office of Diversion & Reentry
  - Masada Homes
  - Miracle Mile Law Group
  - The National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
  - NICOS Chinese Health Coalition
  - Oak Grove Center
  - Oregon State University
  - Pacific Clinics
  - Pain Psychology Center
  - Providence St. John’s Child and Family Development Center
  - Santa Monica College
  - Sunrise Therapy Center
  - Telecare
  - UCLA Asian American Studies Center
  - UCLA Luskin Social Welfare – Doctoral Program
  - UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital
  - Veteran Affairs
  - West LA VA Medical Center

Sector and Position Level

Job Titles

Job Titles for the Class of 2021:

- - ASW
  - ASW Therapist
  - Behavioral Health Clinician I
  - Case Management Coordinator/Psychotherapist
  - Children’s Social Worker
  - Clinical Social Worker
  - Clinical Social Worker II
  - Clinical therapist/case manager
  - FSP Adult Therapist
  - Health Educator
  - Health Science Specialist
  - Infant Therapist & Behaviorist
  - Intensive Care Coordinator
  - Medical Social Worker
  - Med-Surg Social Worker
  - Mental Health Clinician
  - Mental Health Counselor
  - Mental Health Therapist
  - MPH Administrative Director
  - PhD Student
  - Psychiatric Social Worker
  - Psychiatric Social Worker I
  - Psychotherapist I
  - Research & Evaluation Coordinator
  - Research & Policy Analyst
  - Social Worker, Alternatives to Incarceration
  - Staff Research Associate I
  - Therapist
  - Trauma-Informed Organizational Assessment Specialist And Data Manager

Salary Range

Industry/Policy Area

How They Located Their Positions

Approximately 32% of recent graduates had an internship during their Master’s program that transitioned into a full-time job. Additionally, 39% of recent graduates indicated that they found their current jobs through networking opportunities, including attending career events, networking with faculty, Luskin alumni and colleagues/professionals in the field. Another 18% discovered their position through online job searches.

Urban Planning

The UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs prepares its students to enter the workforce with a broad range of practical and professional skills. Luskin Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles and effect change as practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in the public, private and non-governmental sectors. The following survey results provide information and statistics regarding where our Class of 2021 Urban Planning graduates are working, their salary ranges, the policy issues they are tackling and how they found their current jobs. The data below is from the January 2022 survey, which is 6 months after they graduated. Among a graduating cohort, 55 completed the survey.

Percentage employed

96.4% of Urban Planning 2021 graduates who responded to this survey are employed part or full time at:

- - A Community of Friends
  - AECOM
  - Alta Planning
  - Brilliant Corners
  - CalBike (California Bicycle Coalition)
  - Chattel, Inc.
  - City of Albuquerque
  - City of Los Angeles
  - city LAB UCLA
  - Connectics Transportation Group
  - Dudek
  - East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice
  - Estolano Advisors
  - Fehr & Peers
  - Gensler
  - Here LA
  - Japan International Cooperation Agency
  - Jarrett Walker + Associates
  - Kearns and West
  - Kittelson & Associates
  - Liberty Hill Foundation
  - Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
  - Los Angeles City Planning Department
  - National Nurses United
  - NeighborWorks America
  - Nelson/Nygaard
  - Northrop Grumman
  - Pacoima Beautiful
  - PlaceWorks
  - Populus
  - The Ramsay Group
  - Shared Use Mobility Center
  - SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments)
  - Toole Design
  - UCLA
  - UCLA Asian American Studies Center
  - UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS)
  - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation
  - Water Education for Latino Leaders

Sector and Position Level

Approximately 44% work in the private sector, 28% are working in the public sector, and 28% are employed by non-profit organizations. 62% hold an entry-level position, 38% hold a mid-level position.

Government Sector

Of those who are employed by government agencies, 33% work at the city level, 27% at the regional level, 20% at the state level, 17% at the county level, and 3% work at a non-US government agency.

Salary Range

Industry/Policy Areas

The majority of recent graduates’ jobs are in the following fields:

- - Advocacy
  - Architecture
  - Affordable housing
  - Community Development
  - Consulting
  - Environmental/Sustainability/Energy
  - GIS
  - Government (Federal, State, Local)
  - Housing
  - Land Use
  - Non-profit Management
  - Research
  - Transportation
  - Urban Design
  - Urban Planning

How They Located Their Positions

Approximately 48% of recent graduates indicated that they found their current jobs through networking opportunities, including the Senior Fellows Program, networking with faculty, Luskin alumni and colleagues/professionals in the field. Additionally, 17% had an internship/fellowship transitioned into a full-time job. Another 30% discovered their position through online job searches.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program is a federal program created for those in public service jobs, offering the opportunity to have their federal loan balances forgiven after 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Post-graduate Fellowships

Presidential Management Fellows Program

Bearing the Presidential moniker, the PMF Program is the Federal Government’s flagship leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. It was established 45 years ago by Executive Order and has gone through changes over the years, but the essential mission remains the same: to recruit and develop a cadre of future government leaders drawn from all segments of society. Eligible individuals apply to be selected as Finalists. Finalists then have 12 months to secure an appointment as a Fellow, which is a two-year, full-time, paid fellowship at a Federal agency. The PMF Program creates a lasting bond among Fellows and Alumni. It also instills a spirit of public service, which, for Fellows who complete the program successfully, can ultimately encourage and lead to a career in government.

Luskin PMFs:

Abraham	Cheung	MPP 2023
David	Bortnick	MPP 2001
Melissa	Paulding	MPP 2008
Michael	Levine	MURP 1979
Monica	Mata	MPP 2023
R. Varisa	Patraporn	MPP, PhD Urban Planning 2007
Shira	Bergstein	MPP 2012
Sophia	Li	MPP 2022
Tom	Schumacher	MPP 2012

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2022-2023 Senior Fellows

The complete list of former UCLA Luskin Senior Fellows since 1997 can be found here.

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