CAREER

WSDM
Write. Speak. Do. Meet.
FORMATS TO FINDING YOUR FUTURE.

On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu

CORPORATE
PARTNERS
Thank you to our corporate partners
who play a vital role in creating current
and future career development and
employment opportunities for UC San
Diego students and alumni

Platinum Members
QUALCOMM

Gold Members
Broadcom Corp
Cubic Corporation
Golden Eagle Insurance
Hewlett-Packard
Northrop Grumman
Peace Corps
2ſ\GT
Schlumberger
ViaSat, Inc.
SERVICES
Our Mission
The Career Services Center exists to help students and alumni of the
University of California determine and fulfill their career goals.
Career Advising Appointments
You can meet individually with an advisor for help
exploring career options, seeking internships, and plan-
ning an effective job search.
Career Express Advising
Advisors are available to see students on a first-come,
first-served basis. Students can get a quick answer to
their questions and an introduction to our services and
resources. Visit career.ucsd.edu for express advising
hours.
Self-Assessment Tools
You can access self-assessment tools that will help you
define your interests, skills, values and personality. Use
this information to generate career options.
Career Exploration Panels
Attend panel presentations during Fall and Winter
quarters to meet and make contact with professionals
in your chosen career field and learn more about what
career options are available. Hear professionals discuss
their career paths, education, typical daily tasks, skills
and qualifications.
Resources & Libraries
The Career Services Center features two specialized
libraries filled with career, internship, and graduate
school resources. Knowledgeable staff are available
to assist you and computers are available for research,
job search and resume preparation.
Resume Writing
Use our resources to help you identify your skills and
strengths, and learn how to present them effectively on
your resume. Career advisors are available to critique
your resume.
02
Job and Internship Listings
Each year employers list opportunities for UCSD
students for full-time jobs, part-time jobs and intern-
ships. Postings are available on the Port Triton system.
Job Fairs
Each quarter, our center offers a major job fair. The
Fall, Winter and Spring Job and Internship Fairs draw
all kinds of employers who offer internships and
employment opportunities. There are a variety of
industry-specific minifairs held throughout the year.
Interview Preparation
Practice Interviews and Interview Stream are
resources available to help you prepare for your
upcoming interviews.
Graduate & Professional School Advising
Want to go to graduate school? You can review
web and library resources, attend workshops, collect
letters of recommendation, get your essays critiqued
and get one-on-one advice and information on
preparing for and applying to graduate and profes-
sional schools.
On Campus Interviews
During the course of the academic year, over
90 employers will conduct over 1,700 on-campus
interviews with candidates who meet their eligibility
requirements. The interview calendar is accessible
through Port Triton.
Workshops
Check our online calendar of events and job search
workshops designed for you. The Career Services
Center offers a series of workshops designed to assist
with all stages of the career development process.
On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu
 COMBINATION FORMATTED RESUME

a) Use the education section to highlight your c) Create header sections that allow you to showcase
relevant academic experience & training. your relevant experience. If that experience was gained
through key course projects or programs then share them
b) Stick to 6-8 of the most relevant courses in their own special section, like Relevant Projects.

d) Some government or government contract positions

require US Citizenship. If they ask then include it, other-
wise don’t.

On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu 09

cuRRiculum Vitae (cV): humanities

The primary differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae “CV” are the length, content and purpose.
a resume is a 1-2 page marketing tool summarizing your education, experience and skills as they relate to the position you
are seeking. While a resume is brief and concise, a CV is longer and its length can range from 2-4 pages, or more. a CV
can include all of your academic background as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations,
CYCTFUJQPQTUCHſNKCVKQPUCPFQVJGTFGVCKNU#TGUWOGKUV[RKECNN[WUGFYJGPCRRN[KPIVQLQDUCPFKPVGTPUJKRUKPKPFWUVT[
YJKNGC%8KUWUGFRTKOCTKN[YJGPCRRN[KPIHQTCECFGOKEGFWECVKQPUEKGPVKſEQTTGUGCTEJRQUKVKQPU+VKUCNUQCRRNKECDNG
when applying for fellowships or grants. please keep in mind each academic discipline has different standards. ask the
faculty in your department for feedback on your CV.

Kimberly Del Mar

Permanent Address:
Bell Tower #3, Regents Road, San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 555-2121

Campus Address:
UC San Diego, English Department
9500 Gilman Road, La Jolla, CA 92093-2222
(858) 555-1212
kdm@ucsd.edu
Web address: http://webadress.com

EDUCATION

University of California, San Diego

Doctorial Student, English Department, 20xx-present
Dissertation: Keeping the Peace: Detective Fiction and the British Imperialist Project, 1844-1939
Advisor: Prof. Theodor Seuss Geisel

University of California, San Diego

Bachelor of Arts, English, 20xx
GPA 3.90/4.0

RESEARCH AND TEACHING INTERESTS

Victorian literature, historical and cultural studies, colonial and post-colonial theory, genre studies, history
of science, and trans-Atlantic literature

AWARDS AND HONORS

Mellon Grant (UCSD): Competitive grant awarded to facilitate the pursuit of promising research, 20xx

Senior Fellowship (UCSD): Competitive award for academic excellence, 20xx-20xx

Triton Award (UCSD): University-wide award for teaching and scholarly excellence; Nominees chosen
by English department faculty, 20xx

Scripps Scholarship (UCSD): Competitive department-wide award for facilitating scholarship outside the
department, 20xx

PUBLICATIONS

“Charles Dickens’s ‘Hunted Down’ and the Failure of Physiognomy,” Under review.

“Gender, Race, and Criminal Witchcraft: The Ideology behind The Sorceress of the Strand,” ELT:English
Literature in Transition, 1880-1920, 45:1 (January, 20xx). 176-194.
http://lit.com/free/v46/i42/42b00401.htm

“L.T. Meade” and ‘”The Hammer of God” by G.K. Chesterton,’ entries in Companion to the
British Short Story. New York: Facts on File (20xx). http://companion.com/free/v46/i42/42b00401.htm

SELECT CONFERENCE PAPERS

K. Del Mar, p. 1 of 2

14 On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu

poweR VeRbs FoR YouR Resume and coVeR letteR
administrative skills creative skills Management Skills technical skills
arranged Conceptualized administered assembled
Catalogued Created analyzed Calculated
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publicized Educated Surveyed
reconciled Expedited Systematized
recruited Facilitated
Translated Familiarized
Wrote Guided
Motivated
referred
represented

18 On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu

 coVeR letteR outline

Your street address

city, state Zip code
Your email address
Your phone number

date of letter

employer’s name
position or title
company name
street address
city, state Zip code

dear mr./ ms./ dr. last name of addressee: (if no name is available…use a generic title such as
Human resources Manager or internship Coordinator)

Opening paragraph State the position for which you are applying; how you found out about it; and ask for consideration.
if referred by someone, indicate by whom.

Middle paragraph(s) in this section you want to build a connection between your background and the company’s needs.
Focus on your skills, education, and experience from your resume. Emphasize your strongest attributes
that relate to the position for which you are applying. if you have any directly related experience or
education, summarize it here so the reader can be looking for it in your resume. if you have used skills
or have accomplishments that relate to the job, mention them here. keep in mind that this letter is a
writing sample, so grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, spelling and punctuation are critical.

Closing paragraph 4GUVCVG[QWTKPVGTGUVKPVJGRQUKVKQPCPFFGOQPUVTCVGJQY[QWTWPKSWGSWCNKſECVKQPUſVVJGRQUKVKQP

4GSWGUVCPKPVGTXKGYCRRQKPVOGPVQTVGNNVJGTGCFGTVJCV[QWYKNNEQPVCEVJKOJGTKPQTFGTVQUGGKH
you can schedule a mutually convenient appointment. We suggest that you tell them that you will
initiate the follow-up. Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{Your Signature}

type your name

enclosure

20 On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu

 decline letteR

April 20, 20XX

700 Bonita Vista Road

Bonita Vista, California 92064
(619) 313-3131
sbarnett2@ucsd.edu

Elizabeth Kettner
Research Manager
County of San Diego, Environmental Division
239 Greenley Avenue
San Diego, CA 96071

Dear Ms. Kettner:

Thank you for your time and consideration of my candidacy for The Natural
Science Researcher position with the Environmental Division for The County
of San Diego. While I believe firmly in the mission and appreciate the
challening career opportunities outlined during my selection process,
I must decline your offer.

As I explained over the phone this morning, I had another offer from an
organization which I believe better matches my current employment ambitions
and interest. I cannot express enough gratitude towards the hospitality
extended to me by you and your colleagues.

I wish you all the best in finding the best fit for this position and
look forward to seeing you at county meetings.

Respectfully,

(Your Signature)

Chris Gomez

a) be concise and Respectful c) our professions are small

it is customary to inform prospective employers that you Leaving a positive lasting impression during the selec-
are declining their job offer in a timely manner. Express tion process is advisable. You never know when you
gratitude for the time they have spent with you. might interact with the same colleague for another
great career opportunity in the future.
b) take time to call
although it may be hard, consider taking the time
to call an employer regarding your intent to decline
their offer. Do call during business hours and if at all
possible, try to get a hold of a person and not simply
leave voicemail.

On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu 33

pRoFessional and GRaduate
aduate school:
application basics

Professional and graduate school are popular

destinations for UCSD students. The following pages
can help you determine if professional or graduate
school is right for you and how to prepare and apply.

What is professional or graduate school?

There are two broad categories of advanced education

beyond the undergraduate degree. professional school
programs like law school, medical school, or social work
are those that prepare you for a particular profession,
NKEGPUWTGQTEGTVKſECVKQP#ECFGOKEITCFWCVGUEJQQN
programs, like those leading to a master’s degree or
doctoral/ph.D. degree, allow you to study a particular
subject in depth but are not designed to prepare you for
CURGEKſEECTGGT

Who should go?

Whether you should go to graduate or professional

school depends on your career goals. if your goal
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KP[QWTſGNFKVOKIJVDGTKIJVHQT[QW+PXGUVKICVG[QWT
intended career; advanced degrees are not necessary
for all professions.

34 On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu

 pRoFessional and GRaduate school:
application basics

how do i prepare? how do i choose schools?

Ŗ test drive your career! 6QEQPſTO[QWTEJQKEGQHUVWF[
develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve
your goal, and prove your ability to succeed, get some
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internship or job, shadow a professional or volunteer in
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Ŗ explore your interests! 6CMGENCUUGUKP[QWTſGNFCPF
related topics. Try out new subjects, too! Build a strong
transcript, a broad perspective, and a foundation of
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Ŗ create connections! Talk with professors, supervisors,
friends, family, colleagues and others doing the job you
eventually want to do. Get involved in professional as-
sociations, community organizations and clubs. Network
your way to success.
pick schools where your interests match the school’s mis-
sion and where your studies will be supported by faculty
with similar interests, appropriate resources and experien-
tial opportunities. Consult with your professors, mentors,
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on your own with lists of schools and search engines found
on the CSC website. Look at the curriculum, your likelihood
of admission, the cost of attending and the location of
each program to narrow down your choices. Contact the
schools, faculty and graduates from the programs to learn
even more and make the most informed decision. You’ll be
investing a lot of time, effort and money, so choose wisely.

Close to 40% of UCSD graduates go

onto graduate or professional school
immediately after graduation! Many
more follow within a year or two of
graduation.

On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu 35

 Professional and graduate school:
letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a vital part of many professional

and graduate school applications. Though the number and type
of letters required may vary from program to program, you should
make an effort early on to get to know professors and profession-
als in your field who can write about your academic and profes-
sional strengths and accomplishments with detail and specificity.

Letters from professors are most commonly required but with the
large class sizes at UC San Diego it can feel challenging to get to
know your professors.

Try these suggestions to help open the door:

1
Plan Ahead. It takes time to get to
know someone. Don’t wait until the
quarter you’re applying to talk to your
professors. Get in the habit of inter-
acting with your instructors throughout
college. The more you talk to them,
the easier it gets.

2
Find Small Classes. Maximize your
personal contact with professors by
enrolling in seminars, small labs or hon-
ors courses. It’s easier to stand out in a
small class than a large lecture.

3
Take the Same Professor Twice.
If you take multiple classes with the
same professor, it gives you more time
to make an impression. It can help
them to remember you and give them
more to write about in your letters.

4
Go to Office Hours. Think of ques-
tions you’re genuinely interested in
(and capable of discussing!) before
you go. Talk about the course, related
topics, and your graduate school
plans. Ask more than “is this going to
be on the midterm/final?” – show your
intellectual curiosity!

Do an Independent Study or

5
Research Project. This can be a
great way for your professor to know
you and your abilities well. Find a
professor doing work you’re interested
in and get started. You get research
experience, teamwork and commu-
nication skills, and a connection to a
professor all in one!
Tips for Requesting Letters
• Request a letter in person. The writer connects
your face with your name and you can gauge
their enthusiasm.
• Ask well in advance of deadlines. Two
months notice is ideal.
• Offer your writer a packet of background

6
Become a TA. Being a TA can get
you direct access to a faculty mem-
ber who can then write about your
knowledge of the subject you taught
as well as your communication and
teaching skills. It can be a great way
to review coursework for an admis-
sions test, too!
information about you (transcript, resume,
copy of a paper or project you did for them, a
draft of your application essay, etc.) so they can
know you better and enhance your letter with
more details.
• Remember to thank your writers with a nice
note. And let them know if you get in! They’ve
made an investment in you – let them know if it
paid off.

On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu 37

pRoFessional and GRaduate school:
application essaYs
Graduate and professional schools typically require application essays as part of the admission process
to assess your skills, background, interest and motivation for their programs. You can use these essays to
demonstrate how your experiences and activities have prepared you to succeed in your intended profes-
sion or course of study. For professional school applications, you’ll typically use a “personal statement”
format for this essay. Academic graduate applicants will write a “Statement of Intent.” Use the guidelines
below to get started.

personal statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to explain how your experiences (class-
es, internships, job, organizations, research, personal, etc.) have given you the skills,
interest and motivation to pursue your professional education and career. Don’t
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and to your future. Show how each experience sharpened your perception,
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$GUWTGVQCPUYGTCP[URGEKſESWGUVKQP[QWCTGIKXGPDWVKHPQRTQORVKURTQXKFGF
write your essay so the admissions committee can know you as a person and deter-
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incorporate one or more of the following:

Personal background
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9JCVUKIPKſECPVGZRGTKGPEGUFKUVKPIWKUJ[QWCUCPKPFKXKFWCNQTTGXGCNUQOGVJKPI
about your value system or your goals?

development of your interest

How did you choose this profession or decide to pursue an advanced education?
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your interests?

Related experiences
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your desire to attend professional school. Say what insight you gained from these
experiences about yourself or the profession.

Future goals
What are your future goals, ideals, or objectives within the profession? How have
you prepared for this future?

Program appeal
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phy, curriculum, etc.) match with your interests.

special expertise
Describe the skills (e.g., artistic, computer, or language skills) or knowledge you may
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expertise is applicable.

38 On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu

 pRoFessional and GRaduate school:
application Resumes

Phuong Pharmacy
PharmCAS ID #1234567
5678 College Avenue (858) 555-0987
La Jolla, California 92093 phuong.pharmacy@gmail.com

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, University of California, San Diego Graduation Date: June 20XX
Major in Biochemistry and Cellular Biology
Minor in Health Care–Social Issues

Study Abroad, University of Bordeaux, France January 20XX – May 20XX

Study of Language and Culture

RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Organic Chemistry/Lab Structural and Metabolic Biochemistry Physical Chemistry
Economics of Health Pharmacology and Toxicology Drugs and Behavior

LABORATORY SKILLS
x Proficient with laboratory equipment including spectrophotometers, micropipettes, and
chromatography columns.
x Competent in filtration (gravity and forced), purity determination, and characterization of unknown
compounds.
x Proficient in techniques of reflux preparation, recrystallization, melting point determination, and yield
calculation.
x Experienced with titration of unknown acid/base, volumetric analysis.
x Practiced in laboratory safety protocols including MSDS.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Researcher, Independent Study Project, Prof. Smith Genetics Lab, UCSD January 20XX – Present
x Design and execute research project to determine role of histone acetylation in DNA transcription
x Conduct survey of literature and liaise with other labs
x Coordinate upkeep and sterility of laboratory glassware
x Communicated findings and drafted weekly progress reports to Professor Smith.
x Presented 30-minute summary bimonthly to lab group of 8

Co-Chair, Membership Committee, Pre-Pharmacy Society, UCSD September 20XX – May 20XX
x Oversee records of members in the organization and dues payments.
x Organize recruitment events, like information tables and flyer distribution, to attract new members.
x Increased (KPCN6JQWIJVUQP2TQHGUUKQPCN
school Resumes:
Volunteer, UCSD Medical Center Pharmacy, San Diego, CA April 20XX – October 20XX Ŗ Just like any other resume,
x Observe and assist pharmacist and pharmacy technicians with processing prescription requests. your professional school re-
x Maintain accurate records of dispensations and requests.
sume should be neat, visually
x Communicate with and deliver medications to hospital patients.
appealing and typo-free!
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, New Orleans, LA June 20XX – August 20XX
x Collaborated with others in a summer-long project to build new homes. Ŗ Stick to the traditional one-
x Provided comfort by listening and speaking with families affected by Hurricane Katrina. page length unless you have
x Delivered supplies to and painted mural on newly built community center for children and families. enough experience to
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page.

a) don’t be afraid to include
information outside of your
ſGNFit helps to show the
schools who you are as a whole
person.
b) if you have developed
special skills, relevant to
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covered in your “Experiences”
section, you can highlight them
in a “Skills” section.
Ŗ applicants to academic
master’s or ph.D. graduate
programs may be asked for a
c) be sure to elaborate on activities like CV (curriculum vitae) instead
independent study, being a Ta or special of a resume. Consult the
projects you may have done for a class. WSDM section on CV’s for
Even though they are mentioned on your details on this format.
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resume. Ŗ (QTSWGUVKQPUQTCFFKVKQPCN
information on your resume,
d) show a variety of skills on your consult the Career Services
Center website or meet with
resume. For example, on a pharmacy
a CSC advisor. Good Luck!
resume, don’t just focus on science or phar-
macy-related experience, include examples
of communication and people skills.

On Library Walk | 858.534.3750 | career.ucsd.edu 41

 for advertising
information contact:

College Recruitment Media

630.457.1412

CRMpubs.com